Thoughts from "The Other Donna" on how to Leave a Trace

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Cor. 5:17

We are all called, as Christians, to look different from the world of non-believers in every way.  That will be the very first way we leave a trace; people will see our actions long before they hear our words.  Everyone we encounter, stranger or friend, cranky neighbor or generous soul, is someone God loves and for whom He paid dearly.  I think we have to practice having the mindset that we are a constant example to others.  That doesn't mean we should try to "act perfect," but that all we do should point to the One who is.  This isn't meant to be a burden.  We aren't meant to put on sackcloth and ashes but to show the joy and strength that comes form a life in Christ.  You don't even have to "seek" opportunities to do it.  When you are willing, God will put the people right in your path.

    The first time I "consciously" left a trace I was in a little gift shop I'd never been in before.  I don't even know why I went in then, I'm not a shopper.  The woman at the counter was close to 60 years old and was really being "dressed down" by a customer.  She didn't exactly take it sitting down, she threw a little attitude back out, but there was a heavy sigh after the customer left.

    "Hard day," I said.

    "It has been like that all day," she replied.  "I don't think there is one person on this earth who notices me for me."

    My heart sort of broke because I could tell that she meant it.  My sister worked in retail for years and I know customers can be a pain.  But before I left I said, "You know, what you said about not being noticed by anyone?  I promise there is a God in heaven who not only notices you but loves you very much."

    "Maybe so," she said. "I was thinking more about people, though."

    I look back now and think of a hundred things I could have or should have said.  I remember that day though and it was a BIG deal for me to even say "God" in public!  I remember how hard my heart began to beat as what I was about to say flashed through my mind a split second before it came out of my mouth.  I remember beating myself up on the way to the car thinking "how stupid" I sounded.  It took a long time (years) for me to learn that all we can do is plant the seeds; it is up to God to grow them.  Sometimes we have the privilege of knowing that we have made a difference, sometimes we don't. 

    There are times now when people will come back to me and thank me for words I honestly cannot remember saying; sometimes I can't even remember the context in which they were shared!  At those times I know those weren't my words at all, but His.