Do you ever feel pressured to be more, when perhaps you are already a bigger influence than you realize?
In a world that seems to promote the idea that bigger is better, it is easy to feel small or insignificant.
THE COMPARISON
I was reminded of this recently while walking in the neighborhood where I frequently vacation.
I’ve had the fun of getting to know some of the residents of this small community.
Many have lived there for years.
Over the last while, I have watched as a beautiful, large home was being built on a nearby corner lot.
It is twice the size of the neighboring homes, including multiple floors, garages, an impressive entryway, filigree iron work, immaculate landscaping, a pickle-ball court, a large playground, as well as a second house in the back!
It is an awe-inspiring place!
While walking one morning, I met a long-time resident walking the same direction.
We chatted and I asked her where she lived.
She answered,
“You know that big, beautiful, new home on the corner?”
I replied yes.
She responded with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, “Mine is the house across the street.”
We both laughed knowing that her question would lead me to think she lived in the new home.
She had no problem sharing that her house might be considered unmemorable compared to the one across the way.
She was delightful, and I enjoyed getting to know her.
THE INWARD VALUE, OR RIPPLE EFFECT
I have since thought of the contrast of those two homes.
Outwardly, they were very different.
One home might be considered plain and undistinguished. The other, larger than life.
The long-time resident could have felt intimidated or insignificant, but she didn’t.
I believe she understood that the outward appearance does not determine the inward value.
How often do we feel like an undistinguished home when comparing ourselves to whom we see as the bold, bright and beautiful?
In a world that pushes being seen and noticed, what if we step back and consider all the many ways we are influencing others for good?
Our actions, our kindness, our words of encouragement ripple out and affect many whom we may not even be aware.
Some may think a person’s influence is insignificant if it isn’t large and impressive.
Yet, I have found that it’s the one-on-one influence that has had the most powerful impact on me.
Let us never diminish the good that we each do in our own personal sphere of influence.
Much love,
