We all have seasons in our lives that aren’t so wonderful, don’t we? Sometimes it’s just a one or two-day funk that seems to come and go. But other times, we may be living in a very difficult season that goes on for weeks, months, maybe even years.
My friends John and Jane Ray lost their 10-year-old daughter a few weeks ago. Many of you are having major difficulties in your marriages. Every week, I spend time with men and women who are between jobs in The Joseph Project. And for most of us, especially in December, we are challenged by our current financial situation. Maybe some of us begin to wonder “where is God?”
Maybe we get to the place George Bailey did in “It’s a Wonderful Life”, when he screamed, “Help me, Clarence! Get me back! I don’t care what happens to me! Get me back to my wife and kids! Help me Clarence, please! Please! I wanna live again. I wanna live again. Please, God, let me live again.”
What I love about this story is the in your face reminder that our life matters! Every day matters! That even in the darkness of a temporary funk or an extended season in the desert, that our lives are impacting other lives! That we can make a difference, even in our trials.
The scene at the end of the movie is extraordinary when all of the people who George has impacted through his life arrive at his home to show him what he has meant to them!
Spend some time today or during the next week, and contemplate the impact that your life has had on others. Consider the smallest things like giving your change to a homeless person who got to eat a meal because of you. Or a co-worker you helped through a difficult time at work. Or the ways you have had great influence in your family!
It is a wonderful life, even in the difficult times…especially when we have our focus on the One who gave it to us.
Jesus, thank you for giving us the opportunity this week to look back and see the impact and influence we have been able to have in other people’s lives. RENEW US TODAY to look forward to 2010. To see all of the possibilities you have given us. Amen
My friend,
Perfect post as we head into the last week before Christmas. This has been a huge year for me – personally, professionally, spiritually. I hope those that have profoundly touched me this year are aware of the impact they have made. I’ve tried to let them know (sometimes subtley) through the year.
God, thank you for placing us in situations that let extraordinary people come into our path – enhancing, and many times altering, our journey as we grow closer to you. Amen.