If you missed this weekend at PLC, you missed some great services. We baptized 31 people and we celebrated the Impact that all our volunteers are having on so many lives. One of the cool things we got to do was to invite everyone to fill out an Impact Card, where they shared with someone the impact that person has had on their life. For the past two days I've been reading through hundreds of cards. As I've done that, I've learned a few things about Impact.
- Simple stuff matters.
I can't tell you how many people were impacted by a smile and a welcome from our First Impressions team. Greeters. Parking lot guys. Check-in team. Most of the time they didn't even know the person's name. There were simply a bunch of cards from people who had been looked in the eye, had their hand shaken (or maybe they got a high-five) and they felt comfortable and welcome when they walked in the door.
- Kids matter.
Along the same lines, we had so many cards aimed our our Wee Kids and Kidventure team. They talked about how thankful they were for a safe place where their kids get to enjoy hanging out and learning.
- Faithfulness matters.
We have a whole bunch of cards for people who are continually investing in someone. The impact wasn't usually immediate, but over time it added up. Sometimes it was a small group leader or a mentor. Often it was a parent or child.
- Remembering matters.
This one convicted me. I have a bad memory about details, but I consistently saw people who were impacted by someone caring enough to remember. To remember to call. To remember to ask. To remember to pray.
- Everything matters.
This one really struck me. I saw cards where I was surprised about the thing that made the biggest impact. A quick conversation. A listening ear. A quick email or phone call to check in. A stop at the hospital to visit. A prayer. All these things had an impact on someone. In many cases, I am willing to bet the person that had the impact didn't even remembering doing it.
In the end I was reminded most of all, that all these things only matter because we are part of what God is doing. Our impact comes only because we are surrendering to Him in our lives. Because we use our Time and Talent and Treasure to join God in what He is up to.
So this week, keep using what God has blessed you with to make an impact. And, if someone has impacted you, share it with them. Send them a note, an email, or sit down with them and tell them.
