It’s Enough To Make You Cry
By Curtis on Jul 15, 2009 in Motivational
Yes, I admit it. I actually teared up (don’t tell anybody!). I bet you did too though. Remember one of those stories the news ran about that famous individual with phenomenal success going back to their hometown to thank that special person who invested in them and sent their life on a trajectory to excellence? Do you remember how you were moved when you heard the tear-felt words of appreciation spoken about someone who never suspected the results of their actions? Pass me a hankie. 
Wow, what a difference a life can make…when that life is committed to investing in others with no dreams of reward. The selfless act of valuing not only the brightest people in our spheres but the seemingly unpromising as well is powerful beyond words. There is nothing like this and it crosses all genders and ages and races.
I have personally had that same experience in my life. I can think back to that one particular teacher who looked past my outward appearance and saw possibilities in me that were beyond my comprehension. I was on the path to being a negative statistic at a young age and one person took the time to say “You can do better than this. Let’s turn this around today.” His words AND actions began the turning point in my life. Thank you Mr. Hicks from John Hay High School in Cleveland Ohio.
I am sure you have a similar story. It’s not mandatory that you have a crisis in your life to receive an infusion of hope and promise. These gifts are beneficial to everyone in all facets of life and the seeds sown bear fruit in the most marvelous ways.
Years from today, will someone pause and say that you were the one who made the difference in their life? It may not be as dramatic as when we see it unfolded on the news with bright lights and cameras as witnesses, but that doesn’t make it any less significant. Someone needs what only you can give.
Our constant quest for excellence in our ministry is not for the vain trophy of bragging rights to superiority in our fields. Our quest for excellence is to enable us to be more effective instruments in the hands of God. It’s not about us. It should never be about us.
First, we all give thanks to God for the small part that each of us is allowed to play. Our rewards come in the form of priceless payments of peace of mind, satisfaction in life, and the healing energy of the flow of love. And as we enjoy real quality in life we will do all in our power to help others enjoy a better quality of life too.
Mahalia Jackson made famous the song whose words said so much:
If I can help somebody, as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song,
If I can show somebody, how they’re travelling wrong,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
If I can do my duty, as a good man ought,
If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought,
If I can spread love’s message, as the Master taught,
Then my living shall not be in vain.
So bring excellence into what you do. Value the opportunities you have right now to influence lives for good. Slow down a bit. We only pass this way once so why not make it as meaningful as possible?
I read your blog and yes it was very interesting but no i did not tear up,maybe it’s because nobody saw a bright future in life for me
!!!!!!! and some of the word’s you used in your blog makes it seem like you might have had some edumacation lol !!!!!!! God bless.
Craig, you’re a funny man! But in all seriousness, your mother, Aunt Shirley is on the short list of people who were there for us as a family when we desperately needed someone to be there for us. My family owes a lot to your family.
This makes me think that sometimes prayers of intercession not heard by the one being prayed for can have a similar impact.
I have thought of Daphne on many occasions over these many years and prayed for her family. God has moved in unbelievable ways and brought our paths together again and tears to my eyes. How blessed I am!
Bridget, thanks for the reminder of the many different ways we can invest in others. It’s all about seeing the God-given value in others. Keep praying.
This is a very true blog. We don’t realize what impact we have on people until later in life or mayber we never find out. I know I would not be Adventist without your family and I will never forget the kindness all of the Halls have shown me and still show me.
I would rather have the bright light of Heavens blessings than any bright lights from earth. That is what keeps me going.
Thanks for the message.
Jeni, thanks for the kind words. We just tried to respond and reciprocate to your many acts of kindness to us. God is good.
Even if we don’t hear from someone that they wish a bright future for you, just know that God has already offered us a bright future. Even if you don’t hear it, which is sad, there is always someone presenting you at the “Mercy Seat” so God’s protection and direction will lead you – even if it’s later in life.
I thank God for all those in my life that were helping to direct me in the right way.
Denise, your words are so true. Thanks!
Yes, I’m sure that everyone can attest to the fact that someone, somewhere had their back and saw potential in them; potential that they were never even aware they possessed.
I am so thankful for those in the secular as well as spiritual walk of life that have never let me settle for mediocrity and doing just enough to get by.
My dad comes to mind as I was growing up. Although I made straight A’s it was not good enough. He would often ask me if it was a “93 – A” or a “100 – A”. If the average was not a 100, he would make me go to the teacher and ask what I needed to do to achieve the highest percentile allowable. Whether that meant writing an additional paper or whatever to take me over the top, then that’s what I needed to do.
To some, that may have been a bit extreme; however, the lessons that he instilled in me regarding living to my fullest potential, have always stuck with me.
Likewise there have been many spiritual mentors in my life such as my uncle Bill who have prayed for me and with me.
Without the support and influence of such individuals, I’m not sure where I’d be. I am so thankful to have the privilege of these folks in my life. I just hope and pray that someday, I will have had as positive an impact in the life of someone else.
Tamara, That was a beautiful tribute to those who really impacted your life. I’m sure you’re doing the same to others
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.