The Significance of being Insignificant

If you had nothing to give, what could you give? Crazy question, I know, but think a bit deeper. Our finite minds struggle with the abstract because we stay stuck in the absolute. See, we measure giving by what we physically or monetarily do for others, but what happens when you can't physically do anything and you have no money? By most people's standards, this type of person I describe would be a drain on society or our time, treasure, and talent.

I was fortunate enough to know such a person and his name was Jerry. He had nothing to give except his love and acceptance of others. Jerry's physical limitations prohibited him from doing any labor due to being a double leg amputee and only had partial use of his left arm. He had no money, which meant he was totally dependent on his small amount of Social Security and the help of friends.

So what did he have to give? He had plenty, and he freely gave it all and I do mean all. Jerry always was happy to see friends and he welcomed you with a smile on his face. It made no difference how good or bad his day was, when company came it was always great. Jerry taught me how to live life with no resources. All that he could give me and others was his friendship and love and that he gave abundantly.

I could write volumes about my time with Jerry because he taught me that life was so much more than money and possessions. Life is about living and loving those around you. Jerry loved his Christian faith and lived it to the hilt. His prayer life and love for scripture were unequaled.

I write this because I want people to know that no matter how insignificant you think your life is, it has so much more significance than you could ever imagine. Your impact on others is not measured by the amount of money you have or can give, it is measured by how much you can accept, love, and forgive.

Never think you do not matter. Just because today or yesterday or last month was terrible, please persevere because tomorrow holds a new promise. Consider also where your misery may be coming from. If your hope is in something or someone else's actions, you may be searching in the wrong spot. Our hope resides in our heart and soul. We are measured by the amount of love we share, not the bitterness that extrudes from us. If you see your life as insignificant, then you are not believing that grace can be found in your weakness.

I often hear people speak of having the energy sucked right out of them. Those energy-sucking people may be a manifestation of the negative energy we put out. You see, when we think our lives don’t matter or no one sees us for who we are, we almost subconsciously sabotage our own hope.

Friends, your life is so much more than you think it is. If you had ever seen my friend Jerry, you would say to yourself "God, let me die before I live like that". I am confident that Jerry in his humility had no idea how much he truly gave by giving nothing at all but himself. He gave me more than I could have ever returned to him.

Never take for granted the power of a smile or loving gesture. There is an old saying that goes like this "a man would run a mile for a $100, but he would kill for a blue ribbon". The point is that we want to be recognized and the only way that will ever happen is to recognize the good in others. If, right this minute you are holding a bitter thought towards someone else, you are giving them control of your hope and joy. It is crucial that you live by the model of which Christ gave us which is to forgive and turn the other cheek. In your seemingly insignificant life, there dwells a power of grace that when released will open doors you thought were closed forever.

Does your life matter? You darn right it does and guess what, so does the life of everyone you come in contact with!

peace to you

Dale