Tuesday, December 28, 2010

You Never Know....

An Inexpensive Little Cross Can Make A Difference
About five years ago, I was teaching a Sunday school class in our church.  This was a class in which I am a member.  On that day, there were about 40 people in attendance.


Cindy Carries Her Little Cross In Her Purse
At the end of the class, I closed by handing out small metal crosses to each person.  These little crosses were about an inch long.  I had purchased them for a few pennies each from a local Christian market.  I asked the class members to put this little inexpensive cross somewhere where they would see it each day. I asked them to think of where they got it and what they were doing when they received it.

Of course, a few years went by and the incident of the crosses being passed out to the class was forgotten.....or, so I thought.

A couple of months ago, one of the class members who was in attendance on that day when I was the teacher remarked in front of the class that "I still have that cross that Clint gave us a few years ago.  I keep it by the sink where I shave every morning and I am always reminded of Jesus and of our class and of the day I was given the cross."

And, of course, that got me to thinking.....about how we just never really know what kind of an impact we have on other people when we interract with them---and how our actions and words may stay with others in a positive---or negative---way long after all is said and done.

Usually, we will never know the true extent of our impact on others.  Only in situations like the one I just described will we hear at a later date about what we have meant to someone.  It is a special feeling.

My Friend, Darrel
Last week, my friend Darrel, who is a member of our weekly prayer group, gave us all a cross that has been constructed of resin and designed to fit comfortably in the hand.  It is called the "Clinging Cross", and is meant to be held at any time the holder wishes to gain strength through the cross. 

The Clinging Cross
Thank you, Darrel!  I know that through the years I will always think of your thoughtfulness when my eyes fall upon your gift.

The Clinging Cross Fits Perfectly Into My Hand

6 comments:

  1. This topic is so true, we never know. It is good to "know" when someones does reveal to us how they were touched in some way by something we did or said ... hopefully always in a positive way.

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  2. That is a beautiful story, that is the reason I must really think before I say or do something! Thank you, and God Bless!

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  3. They're beautiful...really, really beautiful!

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  4. Very true. I still remember one statement a teacher made to me 24 years ago. I reflect on it often. It should make you feel really good you had that impact on someone.

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  5. So very true Clint only I call the word you use
    "Impact" as Inspirational,

    Happy New Year to you.
    Yvonne.

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  6. I LOVE the clinging cross! Your story reminds me of "It's A Wonderful Life." George Bailey never knew what a huge impact he had made with such, seemingly, small acts. That reminds me too... I like to say nice things about people so they might overhear. Isn't it the best when you "overhear" someone saying something nice about you?

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