Ripple

Floating in the waters of a swimming pool or the calming waters of the ocean or a lazy river, especially during this heated time of year, can be relaxing and very meditative.  As I was doing just that in our backyard pool, I could feel the stillness of the cool water, just barely noticing any movement on its surface.  Stillness.

However, when I started to paddle my arms to move about, to get a better sunning position, the rippling effect of my actions quickly started spreading across the pool’s waters.  Of course, the more I waved my arms, those small ripples multiplied, causing more movement.  I watched, fascinated with the pattern it created.  I then wondered, is that how we should be aware of how our actions can have that same rippling effect?

You’ve mostly likely heard that term, “the ripple effect.”  Wikipedia describes it “as a single initial event or action that triggers a chain reaction of subsequent events.  Just like a stone tossed into the water creates expanding circles, a single choice or event can cause consequences that spread far beyond the original point of impact”.  For instance, when you and I make choices of how we respond to someone’s action, by acting in kindness compared to choosing a different path of harshness, it can cause a ripple in how someone further responds in their day.  Being charitable in how we use our words, our actions and our private thoughts, even in the smallest way, like a simple smile, can set the wheels in motion.

That singular smile or word then turns into another positive act of kindness from the receiver, which then can affect and ripple far into the future, unbeknownst to us.

Wasn’t that Jesus’ purpose?  What a ripple effect He caused!  Everything He did, spoke about and everything he stood and died for is still affecting our lives today.  You may want to read that again for effect and let those words settle in.  The one act of God the Father, sending His only Son, Jesus, to earth has rippled far and wide, through all our wars, through all the martyrs, through all those working against Jesus’ mission of love, landing straight into our very hearts and souls to this day.  As Christians, we continue to march forward in Jesus’ name.  Now that’s what I call a ripple effect that you and I need to carry on in His Glory.

“Thank you, Jesus for stirring the waters with your love that has continued to ripple far and wide and will live forever.  I pray that we, as your faithful followers, will always realize the cause and effect of our action towards those we encounter throughout our day.” Amen

“Put on then, As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.”  Colossians 3:12