Autumn is in full swing here in my little corner of the world. Everywhere you look it seems that God took buckets of paint and splashed them everywhere clothing plant life and trees in every shade of reds, purples, and oranges. What a Creator of beauty He is!
A few weeks ago before the calendar flipped over to October, I was in my front yard playing with my grandson. It was one of those gorgeous pre-fall days where the sun was brilliant and just seemed to beckon the few leaves that were showing a hint of color change to step it up. As I walked around my yard I noticed one of my bushes. This one particular plant literally had ONE bright red leaf on it. Only one! The contrast of the one red leaf against so much green could not go unnoticed. I knew there was a Nugget developing which needed to be shared because as I stared at the single red leaf, the words “power of one” came to my mind.
Since that day many of the other leaves have followed the pattern of that first red leaf and my yard is once again a palette of beauty with its crimson glow of red as well as many other striking splashes of color. Though the seasons demand a change of color each fall the change does not happen instantly. It is slow. It is subtle. It is sanctified. And it all has to start with one being the first to make the change that will bring the rest along in time.
So where is the nugget in all this?
The nugget my friend is YOU and the POWER you have to be the ONE to make a change around you.
Last week my dearest friend and I went to a movie. It was the story of one woman, a single mom, who took on an entire school to be the voice of the kids in the school. The school was academically failing its students miserably and her young daughter was one who was suffering the consequences of the system. This mother saw a problem and knew that if things were going to change for the good, she was going to have to be the ONE to initiate the answer. And indeed she did initiate a movement to turn that school around making it rise to higher standards than anyone could have ever imagined. It was far from easy. It did not happen overnight. But the vision and determination of ONE who would not back down until change was seen finally made the difference to more people than she ever thought possible!
hmmm…the power of one…
So here is my question to you. When you look around your “world” what is it that you wish could be different? Do you feel like there is something tugging at your heart to take a step of faith to make a change? I am not saying that you need to take on a whole school system. But do not underestimate the power and the ability you have to make a change, to make a difference to others. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
You will never regret trying something and failing but you will likely regret never having tried at all.
Think about this. You may be the very one with an idea that no one else has thought to try. You may be the very one that others are looking to organize or start up a new play group for kids, a visitor group for seniors or cancer patients in a hospital, a “handyman” group to help widows or single mothers, a Bible study for women in your own neighborhood or any number of other possible ideas to make a positive impact for those around you. It doesn’t have to be a monumental undertaking. Maybe it is just reaching one person at a time. I know a woman who visited a nursing home regularly and did nothing more than give the lonely and forgotten seniors a hand massage. As she did this for them, she would listen to them pour out their life stories.
…a little hand cream and a gift of time…what a gift!
Yes my friend, you may well be the one with an idea for a ministry that no one has yet thought of. Do not dismiss those ideas lightly. Those ideas were likely put on your heart by God who knows all too well about the power of One. He gave us his One and only Son to make the biggest difference the world will ever know.
So my friend, stop thinking about what you would like to do and just go for it. Someone out there needs you to be the one to make a difference. You really do have more power and more ability than you realize. Don’t miss your chance to be the first ONE! Besides that, like that little leaf, I bet you will look great in red!
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10~NIV
From my heart to yours,
Rosie <3
PS: I would love to pray for you. If my message spoke to your heart and you feel that God may be calling you to be ONE to make a difference, leave me a comment. I do not need the details but just say, “Pray for me to be the ONE I need to be…”
God bless you dear one!
Rosie, you are a talented communicator. I am feeling that tug to make a difference in my community of seniors and many single and widowed women. I welcome prayer for wisdom and guidance in that direction.
Yes Joyce that tug is one I have felt on a number of occasions as I felt God prompting me to move out of my comfort zone. I promise you that taking that step of faith and obedience is a decision you will never regret. Praying His guidance for you dear lady.
My inspiration of the day, believe and always put God first. If you do this there is never anything that is too big for you to handle. For the Lord will always be there to have your back.
Velma I am glad you were inspired by this post. Please feel free to share this blog with anyone you know who needs encouragement. Hope you visit again soon. God bless you.