you just never know...

this week, I received a friend request on Facebook from someone we used to know back in Karuhatan. Vangie Medel was Ric Medel's wife. Ric passed away 6 years ago. They attended EL Church-Valenzuela during the years that we were in Karuhatan. Justin was friends with their eldest son, Ericson. I remember that we tried to help them financially and through gifts like food and clothes for the kids. What I didn't realize is that, many years later, this family is still talking about us and how kind we were to them! We didn't do anything special, we just wanted to help them because we liked them. But, even now, they tell stories about us and are thanking us for being kind to them.

This revelation hit me hard, making me realize that we really just don't know the impact we're making on people. They can be negative or they can be positive. This has served as a reminder to ALWAYS be kind to everyone who God brings across our paths. We will never lose out by being kind and caring to others! We need to be an influence for GOOD and not evil. We must ALWAYS be salt and light in this dark world because you never know who's watching...

lastly, what I read today from Chuck Swindoll's devotional served as confirmation :  You will be amazed at how the Lord will use you in others' lives once you adjust your life to His ways. You will be many things for them: a reproof, a refuge, a point of hope, a reason to go on, a source of strength, a calming influence, and so much more.