It’s my husband’s birthday today and we watched one of his favourite movies - the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life". It’s the story of George Bailey who as a young man had many aspirations and dreams to travel, get an education, and change the world with his inventions.
However, throughout the course of his life, he didn’t get to do any of those things as he made the choice to help others even when that meant sacrificing what he wanted to do.
Eventually, through a mishap with his finances he tells his guardian angel he wishes he had never been born. As a result, he gets to see the different and often broken lives all the people he had helped, supported and loved would have if he was not in their world.
The movie is a great reminder that we all have something valuable to offer. You don’t have to be brilliant, rich, or perfect to make a difference. You just have to care.
There are 1000's of people just waiting for someone to teach, inspire and connect with them, and often all that needs to happen is for us to take what we have in our hands and heart and determine to share it with the world.
Imagine if we all took what we have been given and who we are and valued it a little more. If we took those things we are gifted, talented, or have some knowledge about and we used it to encourage and help someone else.
Whether that's a sporting team you can coach, or perhaps teaching younger people who may not have someone else available, to show them how to check the oil in the car or change a light bulb or leaking tap. Or teaching someone how to cook a meal, play an instrument, or how to organise their finances better. It could be that you are a great listener or have time to gather people who may be feeling lonely or without family together around a meal.
God has blessed you with that ability or desire so that it can both increase and be used to make a difference. He says, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)
Today be encouraged that you are valuable and the world is better for you being in it. Have a think and pray about what you have that you may be able to give and share with those around you. How can you make someone else's life better by your connections or what you have?
It was a great day the day you were born, and you being who you are matters. One person is given a helping hand; one person sharing their gifts with the world is significant. Multiply that over and over and we will change the world!
"One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, and comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." (Prov 11:24-25)
Prayer: Lord, please help me to freely be able to share them with others and use me to make a difference in someone else's life today. In Jesus name Amen.