Have you ever had a house project where the mess made you wonder if the result will be worth it? During the last two months, Jimmy and I have had a remodeling project taking place at our home in South Carolina. We haven’t been there much during this process, however, our “Ring” has been extremely active. It has been monitoring the numerous contractors going in and out of the house…..often over a hundred “rings” a day. There is always someone entering or exiting, entering or exiting, entering or exiting…..
I have come to recognize the different contractors…..the demo guys, the framers, the tilers, the painters, the plumber and the electrician. I have watched as our porch floor became white with dust from drywall and tile…..footprints became evident…..constantly entering and exiting.
Some of the contractors only arrived at the house once…..their job was brief as they passed through and were on their way.
Others arrived periodically at different times throughout the project…..their part was more frequent as they entered and exited…..they had more of a role and left behind “lasting effects”.
While still others arrived daily throughout the entire project…..they were a constant…..playing a much bigger role…..entering and exiting…..their “craftmanship” will stay in the house for a lifetime.
As I looked at the footprints on our porch, it occurred to me that the various contractors who entered and exited our home could also represent the many people who enter and exit our lives throughout our lifetime.
Everyone who comes in and out of our life leaves a footprint.
A few will come our way only once…..just passing through…..they may seem unnoticed at the time, but they too leave a footprint. Maybe it was simply a smile you shared, a “hello” in passing, holding the door open as you entered or a casual conversation at the checkout counter.
Some will enter and exit our lives for a period of time…..perhaps staying a while, for a segment of our lives or for a season. These relationships create memories, maybe alter our path or direction, give us someone we think of often…..they leave “lasting effects”.
Yet some will be with us for the “entire project” of our lives. Entering and exiting but remaining a constant…..playing a much bigger role…..leaving their “craftmanship” on our lives for a lifetime. These relationships shape us into who we are, impact the choices we make, determine who we love and the course of our life.
Regardless of the “footprint” that is left…..the entering and exiting has been flawlessly designed. It is my belief that people are placed to enter and exit our lives in God’s perfect timing. A random act of kindness given to a stranger; a friendship that develops just when needed; a great love that fills our heart. Each encounter is orchestrated…..guiding us on the path that is exclusively ours.
And, if this is our belief…..then the reverse must also be true. What “footprint” are you leaving on the lives around you? As you are led to enter and exit the lives of others, are you leaving behind a smile…..warmth…..”lasting effects”…..your “craftmanship”? Who are you to others and what impact are you having on their lives? As we each follow our own path, keep in mind these encounters aren’t random, but part of a perfect plan…..step carefully and always strive to leave a beautiful “footprint”.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:6
