making a difference

February 25, 2004

i've never realized how much the things i say can affect others. and perhaps, more specifically, how much my life can affect others.

before class today, i was standing in the hallway eating my lunch. i was looking at some of the new student work that was posted on the walls, when a girl in my class came up to me to say hello. she's a girl that i've been getting to know a bit more this year, but i still don't know her very well. however, we're in the same group for one of our design classes. recently, she mentioned to me in an e-mail that "i'm always so helpful" because i've been trying to keep our group members (her included) posted of what's going on in class and such. that made my day!

some of her work is being displayed in the design show at york, so i told her that i really liked her work (because i really do). i was not prepared for the response she gave me. what she said to me really struck me. i can't exactly remember what she said, but she turned to me and it went something like this:

"thank you leo. that really means a lot to me..."

she pauses.

"i don't know why"

i shrug my shoulders, sort of smile and continue my thought about liking her work.

she continues.

"thank you leo. it means a lot to me because it's from you... because you're you. you're leo!"

"you're so sincere about what you say.. it's not like others who just say 'oh it's good' and not mean it"

i didn't know how to respond to that, except smile back. i couldn't believe that something so simple like that could turn into something more meaningful. after all, it was a simple comment about liking her designs. but it meant something to her because it was sincere and genuine. and it meant a lot to me, because i hadn't realized that my life could affect others like that, especially people i'm not really close with.

i've always believed that the biggest sphere of influence we have, are on the people around us. but i've always imagined that to being people i'm closest with, and not realizing that the 'people around us' could also include the people i don't know as well too. but why wouldn't it? the people around me still see what i do and hear what i say.

i've felt that God's been stretching me this semester to get to know more people in my program, since the one girl i have a burden to pray for left our program at the beginning of this year. perhaps this is a way of God showing me the lives of those around me in my sphere of influence that i've never really paid much attention to?

i've been reading the book "wild at heart" by john eldredge and came across the following passage recently: "don't ask yourself what the world needs. ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive" (p. 200). that passage hit me like a ton of bricks. so far, i've concluded one of the things that really makes me come alive is connecting with people and having an impact on them.

as Christians, we are to go out into the world and proclaim the Good News. the best way we can do that, is by living lives that exemplify and magnify Jesus Christ in all things and being prepared to give an answer for that hope that we have. so, even if you feel like you're living a life that's not really making a "difference" on those around you, remember that your actions and attitudes speak much louder than words. and remember that people do notice the life you lead, even if they don't know you very well or vice versa. when we are living for the glory of God in all things, people will take notice.

"let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (matthew 5:16 [NIV])

Posted by Leo Chan at February 25, 2004 10:40 PM