A Life Full of Gratitude ~ A Heart Full of Gratitude: Ripple Effect

We are still adjusting to our life back in Calgary but I have to say just how much I missed Foothills Alliance Church. It is our community, it is family. Tonight, Pastor Trigg spoke on The Ripple Effect and I needed to share. Much of what I am going to write came from the sermon this evening. I love writing and feel that I grow in reflection and writing so thanks for being patient and I hope you are enjoying the posts and are able to take something from them that speaks to you and that you can apply to your life.

Ripples in the water. In a calm lake, you see them ripple endlessly. These ripples can be a clam for some and for others, anything but calm in what people are facing in their life. When you think of one small ripple and the impact it can have, one small change that can have an enormous impact. Every action in life has a corresponding reaction. Think about your own life. Think about the ripples in your life. Every one of us is where we are today in life and in our spiritual journey because of the ripples created by others. Ripple effects of kindness and grace are evident in our lives. There have been people who have been there for us. There are people who have inspired us and encouraged us to be better? There are people who have drawn your closer to God in your life. Think about those people and think about the influence and ripple effect you are having on others. And think about how when we show kindness and grace to another, that does indeed ripple down to others through that person.

The remarkable heart of Jesus is evident in the compassion he had on children.

"Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there." ~Matthew 19:13-15

He invited the children to come to him, laid hands on them, and blessed them. Jesus elevated these children as valued participants in God's bigger plan. At times, we forget the love our Father has for us and we grow up feeling useless and unloved. However, the Bible reminds us that we are created in Christ's image and we are truly loved.

The insightful heart of Jesus shows the heart that Jesus has for all people. A man came up to Jesus, asking what he must do to be saved. Jesus went through the last of the commandments and told him to keep these in order to be saved. When the man said that he had lived this life and yet still had an underlying lack of peace, Jesus goes through the first four commandments telling him to sell his possessions and follow him. God invites each of us to do the same. This is often so difficult in our lives as we find our security and belonging in worldly possessions rather than in our relationship with Christ. What defines us? What are we trusting in? What are we building our life on?

"Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"

"Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

"Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’"

"All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

~Matthew 19:16-20

We need to ask ourselves this question, what do we lack?

The compelling example of Jesus - he valued all people. When we think of our children, youth, and young adults today, they need to feel loved and connected. Over half our young adults are falling away from Christ. We need to let our youth see the reality of Jesus in us and they need to hear our stories as we develop connection with them and know that Christ is real to us. What are the ripple effects that we are having on this following behind us? It may also help for us to reflect on the ripple effects of those who came before us and learn from that. We all leave a legacy.

Pastor Bronwyn had the opportunity to speak about the job she does with families and children's ministries in the church. She always has so much wisdom and once again offered some tonight. She stressed the importance about finding multiple ways to stay connected to your kids and keeping their heart by building bridges into their lives. She grew up in a Christian home and the wisdom was passed on through her father who stressed the importance about building bridges to your children and their lives because you will never know which bridge they will need to come back home to you on one day. Doesn't this just say it all about the meaningful connections we have and need with others and how we can speak into their lives. We need to be so intentional about the time we spend with our kids and connect with them. Practical and good advice as we leave ripple effects on them and on those we meet. Great advice on how we leave a lasting legacy - a positive one that can impact our children and our children's children.

Now to share some pics of my loves...