Not too long ago I met a friend to walk and get some exercise. The place she suggested was not where I normally go, but as with a lot of facilities around town, it was well designed and laid out with paved walking paths specifically for those who want to get in a few miles and hopefully get in shape. We started our walk and in no time, were enjoying chatting and encouraging each other and breathing the fresh air without a concern for much else. 
As we rounded the last quarter of the circuit, I casually looked down at the concrete and noticed the outline of several leaves on the surface of the hardened sidewalk. These weren’t a stain where the pigments of the leaf temporarily discolors the surface. Instead, these prints were permanent. While most of the fallen leaves were swept away by the wind or decomposed on the grass, these were the outlines of the very few that landed on the concrete when it was soft and their impression remains.
You know, It’s human nature to plan. We come up with strategies for where we will live, what we will do this year or the next, dream about vacations, and eventually even retirement, but how many of us think beyond that? I mean, do we really give much thought to how the influence of our lives will extend past our time on earth? Since the Bible tells us that we are “like grass” which is here today and gone in only a little while, we need to remember that as believers in Jesus, we can -and should- live in such a way that our influence goes beyond our years on earth.
Unfortunately in a culture that’s opposed to God, it feels like a lot of we say can seem like it falls on lives that are too harden by the cares of life and/or deflected by the deception of our spiritual enemy so their impact is swept away before they can make a mark. The temptation to give up and say “what’s the point” is powerful, but in those moments, we need to remember the words of the Apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus. He reminded the new believers to “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:16) It doesn’t take a theologian or an historian to tell us that even though we (in this country) aren’t experiencing the persecution of the first century, our days are also evil … especially when we feel mockery in our pursuit of godliness and resistance to efforts to advance the cause of Christ. If we don’t actively choose to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt. 6:33) and “set our minds on things above,” (Col. 3:1) then our flesh-fueled efforts will be blown away just like most of the leaves along our path.
Instead, take a lesson from something as insignificant as leaf prints on a walking trail and realize that godliness and persistence matter because we never know when the conditions are just right and our Christ-like influence will leave a lasting impression for the kingdom of God.
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do” ~ 1 Peter 1:13-15
Thank you so much for this good lesson. God bless you and your blog!
What a timely reminder, Karen. Sometimes I have asked myself that very question … “What is the point?” So, thank you for getting my mind right! And thank you for joining us at #MomentsofHope. You are a blessing!
What a beautiful word picture and a great visual of an important truth. Thanks Karen!
Ah yes… He is always speaking… always teaching… always revealing –if we will but have eyes to see and ears to hear, right? I love how He speaks to you and how you have trained your eyes and ears to notice! Thanks for the reminder to not only be intentional but also to keep my eyes open!
Karen, you are a master at taking the ordinary and turning it into the extraordinary! Thanks for this gentle reminder that what we do, or don’t do, for the Kingdom makes a lasting impression on the heart of God if nowhere else. Blessings!
Thanks for the encouragement Alice! I’m glad that you were encouraged and challenged! May we all be more aware of how we are influencing and impressing those around us!
God has so much to teach us. I want to be aware and ready, but often am not. This is a beautiful visual lesson for me, the way I learn best. Thanks.
I believe that we’re often so distracted by things around us that we miss a lot of what God wants to say to us. I have to remind myself often to pay attention to what is really important! Thanks, Linda!
” realize that godliness and persistence matters because we never know when the conditions are just right and our godly influence will leave a lasting impression for the kingdom of God.”
Yes!
Coming from Trekking Through #53
I wish I could have seen those impressions! They look lovely.
And I love how God used something so small to show you a big lesson. He’s great that way, isn’t He?
Great post. Your neighbor at the Let’s Have Coffee linkup.
I agree, Ashley. I believe God is speaking all around us and will reveal Himself if we will only look for Him and stop to listen. Thanks for stopping by!