The Ripple Effect

My students are enjoying a scientific study of liquids this month. We have liquid races to determine viscosity. We take water and see how it changes between steam and ice. They love exploring all the properties of different kinds of liquids.

One thing that intrigues my students is the pattern of water when you drop a single stone into it. This ripple effect is beautiful to watch and the students marvel as the circular ripples fan out from the initial impact point.

When we went to speak to our pastor about funeral arrangements recently, one thing he spoke about was the ripple effect that my in-laws have created. It is not an analogy that I really considered before, but I believe it is a very important one.

My in-laws definitely have the gift of hospitality. They have welcomes myriads of people into their home and into their lives through the years.

But it is more than simply feeding their guests or entertaining them.

The love of Christ shines through them. As they reach out in care to one person, that person can now go out and care for others. They inspire us to reach out and open our hearts and lives to those around us.

This living legacy is amazing. As someone who has been brought into the folds of this family by marriage, I stand in awe of the love that they have showered on me. They have embraced my children as their own, taking the time to be involved in all our lives. Their children, and grandchildren, and great grandchildren now carry on this legacy.

All of this brings to mind a few thoughts.

The first is dealing with the frustrations I feel at times when I think I am not making a difference. Case in point is dealing with my class at school in recent weeks. For whatever reason, my students have been a bit off the wall and unfocused. I do wonder some days if anything is getting through to them.

Then I have moments where I see the ripple effect at work. One child succeeds and draws another along with him or her. Two children gain understanding and teach it to others. The effect is beyond what I can do myself.

The same applies in our Christian walk. We might think we are only ministering to one person but in reality, we are reaching many. Each person we touch with Christ’s love can then, in turn, reach out to more and the effect multiplies.

The other thought I have is how powerful even one act of kindness is…or one encouraging word…or one sharing of the Gospel. I might think my sphere of influence is minimal but God doesn’t agree.

If I change my perspective, that will make my influence go beyond what I think possible. With the light of Christ shining through me, I have immense potential to serve Him even if I only touch one person. Because God uses that, and multiplies that. The ripple effect is endless.

My friend, I hope you take time to consider what kind of rock you are today. What pool can you drop in and let God’s ripple effect take hold? Whether it is a physical encounter or praying up a storm – you have opportunities if you look for them.

Do not be disheartened if you think your chances of helping others is minimal. Do one thing. Even just one thing. And let God do the rest.

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