YOUR MARK (FINGERPRINTS)

PRACTICE: Do you ever wonder what your presence means to others? If so, read on.

We sat down to watch TV. The sun happened to shine through the window at just the right angle, showcasing the fingerprints of a 4- and 6-year-old on the television screen. We knew immediately who the culprits were so, we texted their mother, “We are wiping your children’s fingerprints from our TV LOL.” Her reply, “They undoubtedly leave their mark wherever they go, LOL.” Not only do these two leave their mark, but they also never enter our home without bringing something to show us, a doll, their latest art project, something. They had no idea of what they left behind nor did they care. The incident left us shaking our heads and me wondering, “Do I leave my mark where I go? Do I bring something with me to share wherever I go? Much More important, is it of value?"

My first thought when I saw the fingerprints was the need to clean the screen. As the cleaning was happening, I could not help but remember the fun we had looking at an age-appropriate movie and how we danced to every song. The marks on the screen were a visible reminder of the joy that was experienced that evening by all. The fingerprints could be removed with a quick swipe of the hand, but the memories created were indelibly inked on our hearts.

By now I hope you are thinking about your daily encounters with others. I hope that you are wondering if people experience a lifting of their spirit when you enter. I hope you are wondering what others feel when they see a visible reminder of your presence after you have departed.

If I am completely honest, most of the time I give little or no thought to the impressions that I leave behind unless it is about something that I believe to be important. Should I? I think so. Why? I want others to feel they are better because we have shared a moment. I completely agree with the sentiment expressed in the Maya Angelou quote, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I don’t remember what the chatterboxes said that evening…they talk nonstop. I don’t remember all the things we did. I do remember how they made us feel. The fingerprints were just a physical reminder to remember and to celebrate.

Matt 7:16

PONDER THIS THOUGHT--- My mark - sweet fragrance, foul odor, or nothing at all.