If not for me...

I was at a Kids Ministry Leader meeting and through all the craziness at the end of it all, one thing stuck with me. At the end of the night we were told to be aware of our influence and then we were given a tiny candle.

No we didn't break out in 'This Little Light Of Mine.' Though that would have been hilarious... next time. Right now I'm waiting for someone to just to say "We've got a lot of work to do.." followed by someone saying "Let's get down to business..."

So why did it stick with me.. specifically? Well I'm about to explain if you would just stay on your horse. I am a quiet person and regardless of what is going on in my life I tend to be the exact same on the outside. On my highs and lows I'm pretty steady. You could say I like to keep the positivity of my influence steady.

However, what many fail to realize is simply how far their influence really goes and this is beyond being in a leadership position. For people that look up to you or down at you are still influenced by your words/actions. When you are getting beat by the little things, powering though the toughest of times or simply coasting along who you influence is still the same.. though it could be positive or negative.

Perfect example... 

...a single candle. You see what this picture doesn't show (because cameras can't capture it) is that the walls were lit, even if only a tiny bit, but then it goes even farther that... 

Some people see the obvious lit area around the candle, others may even be aware of the slight glow on the walls, but did you know you can spot a single lit candle in near darkness from 3.5 miles away. No really. (under ideal conditions) That is the perspective many miss and the perspective that could change everything, because the same is true for our lives. 

Whether you are a leader in the church and out or handle social networking with decency or when you are out and about people can tell that there is a woman worth fighting for at home etc. (Yes second Mulan reference if you missed the first one that is a shame)

That one time you held open a door and that person didn't thank you, but you smiled anyways. It's not that person you should worry about, but the one that was too far away to catch that open door but saw your act of kindness and decided people are still worth it.

People you will never meet are in total darkness in their life and are making decisions, formulating opinions that could change everything. It isn't a feeling that you are always being watched. That's reality.

So what is with the title? (assuming you read the titles) 'If not for me...' Many times in life someone will see you struggling and at that point where you give up. What do they say? If you can't do it for your yourself then do it for me. If you are struggling to do the right thing because someone just crossed you.. again... for the umpteenth time don't worry about doing it for yourself. Remember the candle and do it for the person miles away because it isn't about you anyways, plus you may have only one chance with them. 

Make it count.