Okay, so I'm now 75 years old and ready to take on the next year with continued energy, the third year of a replacement kidney and the continue affirmation you’ve all given me in the last 48 hours that we can all make a difference.
You see, I had another vlog ready to go for today but simply had to change it. I’ll get to that one but this couldn’t wait and all of you who viewed my 75th birthday have become the inspiration for today’s important post, maybe more important than the birthday version.
As of last night when I wrote the script, there were 921 views! And you all know that I didn’t ask you to tell others and didn’t advertise that the video was coming other than to my regular viewers.
But 921? Does that make me an online influencer?
Uh, probably not. Cristiano Ronaldo, Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift need not worry. I figure I’ll only hit like one million – never. And frankly it’s not the number I want to remind us all about.
The number I’m more passionate about than ever is 1. Why 1? It’s because that’s all it takes, one event, one encounter, one prayer, one caring act, one touch to impact hundreds, thousands and yes, some get millions.
You see, I filmed one six minute video and it’s been seen by nearly a thousand people. And who know who else has seen it or will see it simply because you watched it and liked or shared it?
I don’t have to tell you, most of you much younger than me, how social media works. While not everything about things online is good or positive, one thing that flourishes there is not only addition but multiplication. And it often starts with one of something.
Of course, many stars or those who want to be famous, almost worship the number of likes, friends, followers, sales and whatever else they can accumulate. And in most cases the multiplication of those things can also be positive and grow friendships, businesses and popularity.
However, there’s something far better and that is seeing what we have multiplied into impact, changing people in significant, even eternal ways. Bring healing, encouragement, hope and joy through ONE initial connection.
Yes, we’re all different and live our lives with varied interests, locations, talents, work settings, stages of life, personalities and stories. But we all, yes we all, have the opportunity to do something, to share, give away, model, talk about, be and live for that can change the trajectory of a life.
Our one initial connection can build up and encourage someone facing a lack of meaning or purpose, stuck in negativity, feeling alone or without hope, in the middle of the worst of crises or chronic pain and loss. And like the multiplication of views that you all were a part of, the impact can go on to a few or more than we can really count. Remember, the number doesn’t matter.
As a Christian, I think of Jesus who was here on earth 33 years but only did regular ministry for three years. Of course he touched others before that but apparently not in great numbers or formally.
But while he spoke sometimes to thousands, He impacted individuals all the time like the woman at the well, a blind man who regained his sight and little Zaccheus when he actually visited his home. Who knows how many there were in total?
However, before He left the earth, he told eleven of his original twelve disciples that they were to go and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:16-20 says that some of them were doubting even during the worship time they were having.
No wonder they were questioning Him, when Jesus said it’s their little group that’s ultimately going to get the Gospel to the whole world. I too might have been thinking, “Oh sure, that’s going to happen.”
But it has been happening for centuries and continues Why? Well or course it involved the power of the Gospel story and the work of the Spirit on earth since Jesus left. But Jesus certainly knew that the task would include eleven men reaching people who reached people who reached people.
And today it includes local churches all over the world who reach people and start new churches and like the views I saw just a little of online, keep multiplying and will continue to do so until Jesus comes.
So what does that mean for each of us? Don’t miss the potential YOU have to reach one, every day. How? With your love or your listening ear or your resources or your telling them your faith story or being with them in the middle of a tragedy, talking to them when no one else will, leading your organization with honor, care and attention to personal needs plus so much more.
I so believe and have seen the power of ONE in our lives that I finally had to write it down in a book. And I compare the ONE to a first domino in a large display. Many of you have heard me speak or read the book or something comparable. It’s called Finding Dominoes: Changing Your World One Encounter At A Time.
In the book, I give both principles and guidelines for some various kinds of connections and impact we might have. But I also share a bunch of personal examples of Jackie and me impacting a domino, a person usually in need, that I know has at least then started to impact other dominoes.
I’m not asking you to buy the book but you can get various versions on Amazon.com. But if nothing else, I so want you to get a hold of the concept.
In fact, it happens to me every week if not more often. And I know it especially happens through teachers, medical staff, organizational leaders, mental health professionals and the like. And if you serve in one of those areas or something similar, thank you!
But we can all impact one at a time and have our efforts, love and care multiplied to many, many more if we’ll just be available to touch or impact a first domino.
Paul told Timothy in I Timothy 6 to do a number of things as he taught and led his church. However, in verse 19, he said teach the people so that they “may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
That’s what I want so badly for you. To experience life that is truly life. There was a line at the end of a medical show where the staff was pushed to the limits because of major disaster in the city.
People planning breaks after their Covid challenges all of a sudden had to work those days. But a nurse speaking to her husband at home as they finally got to rest said, “You know, today wasn’t the kind of day we hoped for, but it was the kind of day we live for.”
As we head into a new year, find life again or for the first time. Even today, look for the one and then let it multiply. Like views on the Internet.
Comentarii