Who does God want me to disciple this year? My pastor asked me to ponder this question at the start of 2025. Okay, maybe Pastor asked everyone in the congregation to do this, but I felt a personal push to answer. I exist to serve and honor God, so, how do I plan to share His great love this year? Hmmm....
So many times I've embarked on grand projects wanting to make a greater impact or to effect bold change. How many times have I abandoned too-big projects? Or how many times have gotten God's purpose for me wrong? So many...What God really wants is for each person to use opportunities in small ways. Tiny ripples can generate big impacts.
In the summer, my family and I like to fish. Sometimes we fish from the dock. When a boat passes by, we all heave a collective sign, reel in our lines, and recast. Where the boat is cutting the water, the ripples are small, but by the time the ripples reach the dock, the crest of the wave is broader--causing a greater impact to moving our lines.
Similarly, small acts can create ripples that turn into more powerful waves over time. What are some ways we can start these ripples?
Start with a small conversation. Bless the person you talk to by listening. Really listening.
Do a small act for someone, like holding open a door, offering to buy someone coffee or sending a card.
If someone is having a hard time, show some empathy by asking the person if they want to talk about how they are feeling or if they need a hug. (I'm not much of a hugger, so please be sure to ask.)
My pastor's personal favorite, take your pastor lunch.
Not everyone knows the Bible, but to know Jesus, we should try to serve others the way Jesus served us.
Before he went to the cross, Jesus commanded the disciples, "...Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35, NIV).
Small acts add up. What will you do to serve someone else today?
Best, Michelle
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