Galatians 6:9,
“Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Last weekend while watching the Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, I was reminded of the difference ONE LIFE can make in the lives of others.

George, the main character, feels his life is small and inconsequential compared to the success of others.  However, at the end of the movie, George is given the opportunity to see the impact he had on the world around him.  Lives were changed.  A town was protected and even prospered because of his influence.

My favorite quote is at the end when Clarence tells George:

“Strange, isn’t it?  Each man’s life touches so many other lives. When he isn’t around, he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?”

Though George is a fictional character, the lesson is worth remembering.

Last week I shared about the influence of one woman in my life.  Were it not for her, KGM would not exist.  I’m grateful for her and a few others.  If not for them, an awful hole would exist.

Two other people who greatly influenced me are my parents.  The way they raised me; the way they never gave up on me; the way they have always supported and cheered me on even when I failed – all of those investments have had a lasting effect on my life.  Truly were it not for them, I would have never had the foundation of the Bible’s relevancy to everyday life.

Their approach to parenting has caused me to examine my own.

As parents, we’re being watched by our families.  We have the opportunity to live the Bible within our homes.  We also have the awesome responsibility of serving as influencers within our families whether we like it or not.   Sadly, my mouth and behavior often betray my best intentions.  Or sometimes I choose to ignore this awesome responsibility because my flesh gets the best of me.  I might go into a total melt down over Christmas decorations– like I did last weekend.

But when we come to our senses, a divine opportunity occurs.  We can humble ourselves and apologize and live God’s Word by demonstrating to others how He wants us to respond  following a failure.

Anytime we live God’s Word, it will have an effect on those watching.  It’s an opportunity to touch the lives of those closest to us when the gospel is lived within the home. 

Our children are paying attention to how we handle life and our  problems and pressures.  Sometimes life feels mundane and rote.  Almost like we’re going through the motions.  However, don’t be like George and underestimate the influence you have with your children and/or grandchildren.  Though the glimpses of fruit may be few and far between, the Word says, if we don’t give up, at the proper time, we will reap a harvest! 

BE A WOMAN OF INFLUENCE!

Mark your calendars and make plans to attend!

Friday, December 14th

“Hearing and Discerning the Voice of God”
Speaker:  Tara Furman