As I look out the door, I notice the neighbor has already placed their garbage on the curb. Although, I typically wait later in the day, my trash is nearing the top of the can so I empty it and off I go to put mine out at the end of the road. Hours go by and I see my bag is still by the roadside, which is typical because it’s not yet time for the garbage trucks to run. But suddenly as if the V-8 man has hit me in the head, I come to my senses. Duh! Why do I have my trash sitting out? Not only I’m I off from work today because it is holiday but it’s Monday NOT Tuesday, which is one of the trash days in my neighborhood.
I can’t help but laugh as I think about the stupidity of my ways. And I secretly slither out the door hoping no one sees as I try to retrieve the trash bag from the curb. In my mind, I’m thinking all those passing by are wondering why on earth I had my trash sitting out on a holiday no less. Truth is most people could care less about MY trash.
But as I retrieved the trash I am reminded of the simple and subtle power of influence. My neighbor didn’t have to call to me and compel me to join them in sitting out my trash, I simply decided to join in because of what I saw and my perceive need to get it done.
No matter how small or insignificant we might feel, we never know just who may be taking notice in our most mundane actions. And if you were conscious of them watching, is it a place that you would desire to use your influence to lead them?
Such a powerful question. Such powerful thoughts. I remember a few years ago when I almost cruised through a red light because, frankly, no one seemed to be stopping. If I had my eyes where I should have (on the road signals), I would not have ended up just drifting with the other traffic. Then again, if they were conducting themselves as they should, I would not have almost been led into oncoming traffic. May we all understand that power of influence and use it wisely. By the way, the changes to your blog have not gone unnoticed. It’s beautiful!
LaVonne recently posted..Moment Of Grace
Thanks LaVonne. I don’t think we fully realize just how much of our lives is subject to the drift. It’s so subtle and the crowd is doing we overlook it unless we are consciously taken moments to question not just the what we are doing but the why.
Love the twist at the end when you asked what kind of influence are we being on others. All along as I read I was thinking “Who or what am I letting influence me?”
Pam recently posted..Satisfied?
There is always that reciprocal effect going on in our lives. May we use it wisely Pam.
Wanda,
Thank you for the vivid reminder that we are not to follower others without some thought and the sobering reminder that we have people watching us that we may influence. Fellow Christian, new believers and unbelievers.
Hope that you had a good day off and got some rest!
Lord bless…Susan
Susan Wachtel recently posted..The Real Selfie
Susan, I so appreciate that God takes the mundane moments of life to teach us practical lessons that have spiritual significance. I did enjoy my day off.
Blessings…
We are all subject to influence which is why we have to be mindful and ever vigilant and diligent about what we let in, allow in our head space/heart and what we let sway us into thinking, acting, projecting and speaking…..
Rhapsody recently posted..A Horrendous Beginning–Have a Blessed Day Anyway
Amen, Rhapsody.
Wanda, this is so powerful! Thanks for sharing.
Bernadine recently posted..What I Wished I Had Said…
Glad to hear it resonated with you Bernadine. Have a great week.
I think perhaps it’s no accident that we’re compared to sheep in the Bible. Sometimes we just follow each other with not much thought about where we’re going! Yes, we are surrounded by witnesses, and we just never know how we’re influencing someone else. Best to be constantly yielded to the Spirit, and letting Him do His work in and through us. After all, HE’S the one I want people to emulate (including me!!)
GOD BLESS!
That’s such a great point about us being compared to sheep Sharon. If we aren’t carefully watching the shepherd there is just no telling where we might roam.