What a difference a life mAkes...

People get old.
Assuming that they are healthy, they can go on for a while.
But it's not the number you reach that determines the value of your life, rather it's the number you reach.

I mentioned Mike earlier this week, and the ripples of his 28 years will echo for a long time.
But what about me as a youth worker? Am I making the same ripples?
I've been told multiple times not to underestimate the weight of what I am doing, and how my calling is impacting young people and planting seeds that may remain buried for a long time... But they're there.
I just have to think about the seeds planted by those who worked with teenaged me, whether they have knowledge of the impact of it or not.

Today's reminder comes courtesy of Bill, who passed on this week.
I didn't know Bill well, but I've heard plenty of stories, legends even, of his adventures in faith: from the small to he ridiculous, but ever reflecting the God he adored.
For as long as I've been alive, Bill has been around the world, working hard to share the Gospel and to show love. At 80, Bill died still working, this time sharing his God in India. The impact of his life will be unfathomable as ripples make ripples, and there is an incredible chain reaction that has been set in place globally because of one life lived well.

And I am a product of that knock-on effect. Bill was my mum's youth leader.
Without his input, my mum wouldn't be who she is, and I potentially wouldn't be here. I don't know the full extent of his impact on her, but I'm sure it's big.

Down the line, will my life make such a difference?

First step is to keep kindling my passion for God, His Kingdom and His people.
Actions and words will follow, God will make a difference if I let Him use me.