Well, it's late, I'm tired, and I still have a blog entry to write! Forgive me if this is a bit of a jumbled mess. At least I can get points for being consistent every week!
A couple of weeks ago, I gave a talk in my ward about the Tabernacle Choir. I started off answering some commonly asked questions about the Choir, and then ended with saying some words about an important topic--the need for each of us to play our part. Along with just sharing some thoughts on that topic, I actually read one of my previous blog posts about it (HERE) and hoped that someone listening would get something worthwhile from it. After the meeting, a sister in the ward related how my words had helped her see her calling in a new light. And then today, two weeks later, another sister I didn't even know came up and said how it had made such an impression on her that she had thought about it all week and even talked about it with several of her friends who were, in turn, impacted as well.
This got me thinking about one of my favorite TV shows: Joan of Arcadia. Like many shows I've liked over the years, it got canceled way before it was time--the producers of the showing saying that public interest in faith-themed shows had started to lag. A sad commentary if true. At any rate, the show was about a girl named Joan (who went to Arcadia High School) who was approached by God throughout the week to do certain things. Things that, to Joan, simply didn't make sense. They were often things she didn't want to do, and were things that were outside her comfort zone. Trusting God, though, she typically did them. And while it wasn't always obvious what came of them, sometimes Joan was able to see the incredible ripple effect. She would do something, which affected person A, who was able to affect person B, and cause person C to be steered in a direction that actually saved a life, or mended a strained relationship or increased someone's hope (the list goes on).
Point being, our actions have consequences and ripple effects--many of which we don't get to see. Combined with that, if we all realize we have a part to play, and then actually play that part, our ripple effects for good can be quite profound. A smile, a heart-felt text, a hug, face-to-face words of gratitude, letting people in and being a good listener to people--these things and so many more can uplift and inspire and really truly make a difference.
This falls in nicely with the Christmas theme of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: LIGHT THE WORLD, one person at a time. So go ahead--try it. Be yourself. Play your part. Do good. See the ripples. And light the world.
Until next time, God be with you.
PS: It's Christmas Concert week this coming week and I just want to thank my dear wife and kids ahead of time how much I appreciate their support during a week I'm gone every night. Also, thanks to my fellow friends and colleagues in the choir who also support and uplift and make it all fun. Couldn't do it without you guys. Love you all.
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