Influence

I am reading several books all at the same time (my ADD helps me in this very limited sense) and each one has an overarching theme of how to be a better person. One is how to be a better spouse. One is how to be a better follower of Jesus. One is how to be better period. Each book has a different author and audience, but they have each caused me to think about who I influence and how I influence people in my life.

I am a firm believer that each of us has some level of influence on others each day. I cringe in the markets when I see exasperated Moms yelling at their children. What is that teaching their kids ? And I am floored when I see angry drivers yelling and gesturing at other drivers and pedestrians out of a frustrated place in their lives. I have been there and it's not pretty. I am trying to practice patience, but it's not easy. I feel sorry for clerks and gate attendants when out-of-control people take their anger out on people who have no control over the situation or rules that brought them all to this place. Calm down people !!!

I see the daily interactions of ordinary people (I am a people-watcher) and each of these folks cause a reaction from others, either positive (paying it forward for someone in the line behind them) or negative (yelling at a store clerk for some perceived wrong). The watchers as well as the receivers are changed in some way every time. Each of the watchers and participants come away from the experience with some feeling of warmth or dread. Each person is influenced.

This has gotten me to a place of introspection. How do I act around others ? How do I honor my place as Dar's husband ? How do I model good behaviors around my grandchildren ? How am I perceived in my daily interactions with co-workers, neighbors, and others ? Am I honoring God with my actions and words or am I dishonoring the One who has given me freedom by dying on a cross for me and being resurrected to live on His throne ? Do I come across as a grumpy old man with nothing to live for or am I a positive light in others' lives ?

The answers to these questions come from me. I have come to the realization that outside influences are crutches. I can say that I had a bad night's sleep, so I'm grumpy (I use this one a lot). Or I can say that it's someone else's fault because they were rude to me first, so I'm just reacting. I can say that the world is a lousy place and I'm just here for a little while and my life has no meaning for anyone else, so I'll live it like I want to. I can say a lot of things, but the truth is that I am a citizen of Heaven and I represent Jesus, so I should be positive, uplifting, and encouraging.

If I have a bad day, which we all do, I need to ask for the help I need to not show it. I need to be a positive influencer. I need to show my "good side" and drive like I've got some sense. I need to "pay it forward" when I get the chance. I need to show kindness and understanding every time I interact with another human (or cat). In other words, I need to be and do what I've been called to be and do.

This blog is written for me. This message is for me to read and reread. I am far, far from perfect, so I'll be coming back here a lot to remind me what I need to be and do. I hope that maybe it helps you to be a little more cognizant of your influence as well. I am praying for a better, kinder world. Maybe if each of us gets better, the world will see and respond positively......

These are my thoughts and reflections. Let me know yours.....