A Ripple Runs Through It

It is funny.  We think that our life is ours to choose.  We often forget how intertwined everyone is, whether we want to admit it or not.  But my oh my how we are intertwined.  Even our thoughts and attitudes have an impact on those around us.  It's like something deep within us can pick up on someone else's bad mood and we respond with a matching one.  Infectious.  Fortunately, the same can be true of good moods.

One of the many lessons my children have taught me is just how much I am passing on to the next generation...unintentionally.  Do as I say, not as I do.  I never dreamed that I would pass on my temper and yet I never really pondered where my temper came from.  Indeed, apples do not fall far from their trees.

My circle of influence on the world as a whole seems small, but that is an illusion.  Smoke and mirrors.  Everything I do, good or bad, creates a ripple that will affect people I don't even know.  I want to create good ripples that effect good changes in the world.  I don't want to add to the malcontentedness that is so pandemic these days.  I want to laugh, smile, love and spread that to others. 

It is a battle, being joyful.  I don't even have to think about making a snarky joke.  In fact, I know you will be shocked at this...I don't make 50% of the snarky comments that float through my brain.  Sometimes they are too colorful, other times they are mean.  I HAVE A FILTER, finally, Praise God.  (The filter isn't perfect...just barely adequate, but still an improvement.)  Being funny comes natural to me.  Been making jokes to get people to laugh since...well, it is kind of like reading and cooking-I don't remember NOT knowing how to do it.  Being joyful though, that is a different skill set.  I have to be purposeful about smiling and waving when I see someone I know.  My natural inclination is to walk the other way if I do see or not even notice cause I am focused on a task.  Such a small thing to say hello and smile at someone you know.  AND, it feels good...to both people.  So why?  Why is hard to make ourselves do it?

Why does it require such fierce training to notice good qualities about people...instead of picking them apart.  Why do I automatically like 'pretty' people until they prove themselves unworthy...but the same does not always hold true for 'not as pretty' people.  How come some of my favorite people were not beautiful until I got to know them, but now they are in a MOST beautiful category? 

I am thinking deeply tonight.  And it's late and I am tired.  I need to rest up because this apple will be spending an entire day with its tree tomorrow.  I am praying up and gearing up for JOY.  I do believe it is a choice and I want to choose it and allow my ripples to bless and not curse.