Daily Journal: 7 May

What Wake Do I Create?

Everybody has off days. Nobody feels great all the time. We can’t live our lives to please other people because there will always be people who are not pleased. But what sort of impression are we leaving behind as we go? Is it a fragrance or a stink? Is it joy or is it heaviness? Is it positivity or negativity? Is it encouragement or criticism? Is it withholding or is it generosity of spirit?

Acts 20:1 (GNT)

After the uproar died down, Paul called together the believers and with words of encouragement said good-bye to them.

Is what you’re leaving in your wake, good?

There is a verse I have always taken literally.

Ephesians 4:28 (NLT)

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.

But what if I consider this in light of time spent, my interaction with people, or the effects of my attitude?

Should we consider how we might be stealing from others, emotionally?

Consider how we engage with people. Do we engage with care, in constructive ways or do we steal joy or willingness with criticism, discontent, or rancour? Consider whether we are open or obstructive. Consider how we leave conversations positively or negatively. Consider what impact we're making in others lives and whether it's good.

Ask yourself: What wake do I create?

I remember the first time I shared my testimony. A group of ladies, who I had been part of their small group, invited me out for a coffee afterwards. Things hadn't always been smooth sailing with them so I thought it was a lovely gesture. Off I went, hopeful for some encouragement and maybe further sharing together. But instead of encouraging me, they sat in stony silence around me. There was hardly any conversation at all and my testimony was barely mentioned. It was awkward, cold, and hurtful. They stole what little resilience I had left after the vulnerability I felt from giving my testimony for the first time. Instead of being a safe place and a godly light of hope and encouragement that Christ would have wanted, their deliberate stone-walling crushed me.

Are you an emotional thief or are you using your conversations and opportunities to give generously and leave lasting goodness?

Proverbs 3:27 (NLT)

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.

There are so many opportunities each day to give, to benefit others, and to make a difference. Would we see them and express love rather than withhold good?

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

I pray we are emboldened, strengthened and enabled to use our gifts to serve wherever God gives us an opening.