One of the things I recall from years past is an advertising ditty that went like this: 鈥淎 [something] a day keeps the doctor away.鈥� I don鈥檛 recall what that something was but the lilt and the rhyme have continued, prompting these thoughts about influence.
If you鈥檙e like me you鈥檝e sometimes pondered the influence of people who have swayed the politics, policies or population of countries locally, nationally and sometimes, globally. 鈥淗ow do they do it?鈥� we ask. 鈥淲hat鈥檚 the secret of garnering so much attention?鈥� Like you, I鈥檓 sure, there are those whom I admire greatly and others, well let鈥檚 just say the opposite is closer to the truth.
Being born into certain families or income classes certainly plays a role for some. For others, breakthroughs in science, education or entertainment ensure fame and often, fortune. For some, acts of heroism or bravery rightfully endorse them as worthy of praise. I鈥檝e been thinking a lot about this, especially in light of the impossibility of my ever achieving world-wide recognition (not that I鈥檝e ever wanted to!)
Here are my thoughts, based on a lovely phone call I received today: it just takes one daily act of kindness to lift the spirits of someone. Over the past three decades I鈥檝e determined to encourage, cheer, reassure or even, on occasion, to have emboldened at least one person every day. I know by experience know how much those things have blessed me as much as they did the recipient.
鈥淪o encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.鈥� I Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)
鈥淲atch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.鈥� Ephesians 4:29 (The Message)
Who can you encourage today?
(Aah, I remember, it鈥檚 鈥渁n apple a day.鈥�)
听
