There something about Saturday mornings that makes me inclined to take a longer walk. To really marvel at the beauty of God’s creation. A few blocks away from my home is a pond. No matter how many times I have passed it before, the enchantment of the glistening waters and budding flowers draw my attention. At times I am tempted to garner a sit at the side of the road and just stay and think awhile. Instead I choose the more reasonable option and stand along the bridge gazing out the waters while hearing the gentle whispers within speak to me. For several Saturdays now, the ripples of the flopping fish have beckoned unto me.
The crashing sound of some has me convinced there is something more than fish there. Other’s don’t display such dramatic dissonance as they exit and reenter the water but even still the lake takes notice. Oh yes rather big or small, the lake echoes their presence with the rippling of the waters. While those with the bigger splash have greater span, even the small one moves out from the original position in which the fish or other creature reentered the water.
As I stood captivated at a seemingly insignificant event that occurs probably millions of times all across lakes, ponds, and oceans in the world, I understand the significance of you and me. The world is expansive and it’s so easy to feel that we do doesn’t really matter. Besides we all know there are others making greater and more resounding splashes in the earth than us. Therefore, we often refuse to cast our thoughts, gifts, insights, wisdoms into the big lake. But whatever you throw out into the waters of this world always makes ripples beyond where you are.
And because you are where you are, you will not always be privy to see where the ripple goes. But trust me others feel the ripple from the words you speak, gifts you share, stories you craft, or the treasures you make.
Are you withholding your gifts because you feel that you don’t matter?
Or are you bolding launching forth trusting that you were created for such a time as this. I remember in the book Courage by Debbie Ford, she states it is not our job to judge the significance of what we’ve been called to do. We need only be obedient.
We are not called to just sit on the edges of life watching others make waves. Rather each of us has been ushered into life to make a splash of our own—no matter small or big. So as I close, I compel myself to jump in!
photo credit: Sergiu Bacioiu via photo pincc
Linking up with Sandra for Still Saturday
What Others Are Saying
- Ripple Effect (atreadmark.wordpress.com)
- What Is Your Ripple Effect? (sanderssays.typepad.com)
What a beautiful and thought-provoking post! If we keep the ripple-effect in mind, we will be very careful of our casting-out and our hoarding. If you think about it…it may be a good thing that we cannot see the effects of some of our casting and hoarding…. Would the results be “of life” or “of death?” Could we stand to see the negative ripples, as well as the positive? Would our positive ripples outweigh the negative ripples? Wow! Thank you, so much! You have blessed me with this post. ~Cynthia
Cynthia recently posted..To Accept or Not To Accept…
Well Ms Cynthia you have given much more to think about. I’m taking a selah on this one 🙂
Dear Wanda,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the ripples we can make in life, affecting other whether we know it or not. I also liked Cynthia’s thoughts. Perhaps as we step out we should do so with an awareness that, what we do will affect others for either good or bad. Some points to ponder.
In reading this post, I wanted to see the pond you spoke of. It sounds quite lovely.
Blessings in Christ…Susan
Didn’t Cynthia add much more food for thought? I didn’t take any photos of the pond Saturday but I’m sure I have some old ones I have taken in the past somewhere.
I agree. We can only do what we are called to do. Only the Lord knows exactly where we need to be and when we need to step up to the plate, plant seed, show straightforward love, or write, read, and share His redemption plans. I try to be “there”… and to not be disappointed b/c I’m not able to do some of the “dream” goals of my life. Trusting HIM is all that counts.
So true Joanne but sometimes I get distracted because I don’t see the results “I” think should come.
Beautiful writing Wanda; I love the thought of “making a splash of my own!” The gifts we share, big or small, matter to God, and He will equip us with whatever gift or gifts we need to accomplish the task He has called us to. The one person who knows exactly how we are spiritually gifted is the gift-giver Himself!
Thanks for sharing!
Denise
Denise recently posted..Missing Pieces
Thank you Denise. You summed it perfectly. He gives us just what we need to accomplish His purposes.
Always a blessing to see what the Lord has placed on your heart to share.
JBR recently posted..WILDERNESS
Thanks JBR!
big glad Yes! to this….so very well said:)
thanks for the nourishing stir,
Jennifer
Jennifer RIchardson recently posted..spiritsong…
Hi Jennifer blessings to have you stop in.
I loved the encouragement and challenge of this post, Wanda. Would you mind it I used it as an opening devotional at our next writers’ group meeting? Thanks so much! Blessings!
Of course I don’t mind Pam. I’m honored you would like to share it with others.
I feel the ripples of your beautiful post! This was wonderful Wanda~ Thank you for sharing your open, refreshing view~ I’m behind in blogging, but so happy I didn’t miss this post~ I’m happy I found your voice online ;D ATB
ella recently posted..Over Due
Aaah Ellie, you’ve been such a bright spot and wave of joy in my blogging journey. And your art makes long to be more creative 🙂
This word has just ministered to me, Wanda, in ways you can’t possibly imagine. Saturday mornings usually find me at the water’s edge, often wondering about the impact of those ripples. Know this one thing: You’re having an effect.
LaVonne recently posted..Knock, Knock! Who’s There?
Thank you LaVonne! As much as I know I shouldn’t be concerned about seeing the ripples, it’s always good to know that something I have done has impacted someone some how. Trust me you are impactful to me as well. My life has been truly enriched by the words you share.
Well, Wanda, I will just jump in with you, too! I like what that writer said about just obeying and not rating….excellent post!
Alright Karen there’s room enough for us all.
The ripples of water is so soothing to me….I can feel insignificant at times but He reminds me that I am not
Kim @ Stuff could…. recently posted..My Maypop Surprise
I struggle with those feelings at times as well Kim. But the very fact that we are alive shows we are significant to Him.