The clouds puffed softly above the graceful arches of tree limbs – beech, oak and elm intertwining. Dark gold and russet leaves still adorned some branches. The entire serene picture was reflected in the still water…Until a small stone was thrown in. Though the stone was smaller than the palm of a child’s hand, the effects were immediate. The reflection was broken. Ever widening circles spread outwards, each tiny wave pushing against another until it reached the edge of the creek, reverberating long after the pebble had brushed the surface.
So it is with life. One small choice, one seemingly inconsequential action taken – and yet the ripples are far reaching.
Careless words. An outburst of anger. A single lie. Putting aside one task. Not showing up when I needed to. The repercussions of a single choice ripple outwards, often with more and more people affected by my choice, my mistake.
And yet the same is true of a single good act. One small word of encouragement. A well-timed hug. Choosing to do the right thing, even when overwhelmed. Hands to hold at just the right moment. Pausing to listen instead of rushing. A cup of water.
Our choices often seem miniscule in the ebb and flow of life – and yet we can all think of the difference one small act can make, even to those we may not see.
Today, may the ripples we create ebb with blessing and not hurt, all the way to eternity.
And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ ~ Matthew 25:40
Photo by Biel Morro on Unsplash
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