I like this one. It is the last one and it is the kind of rule you would expect having read the book and learned about the author. I think this is the spark in his life that has made him successful and made the story of his life worth reading. He led a life making money and acquiring power, but he did it in a way that made money for others and allowed him to use his power to help others.
Little d has been taking Taekwondo for about four years. I was never much interested in any martial art as there is a religious undertone that seems out of kilter with Christian theology. I never studied it, but maybe I should. Darby has done it for the physical activity, the application of discipline, and the achievement. Its been good for her and the young ladies I have seen exit the program seem to have more confidence and success that might have otherwise been so. The leader of the group has been doing it his whole adult life and he is not doing it for the money or the power. He is doing it to improve the lives of his students.
When I was younger, I had flashes of trying to impact others. I mentored for a few years in the local school system. I did not really know what I was doing, but I was trying to be a good influence on each of the boys I met with. Later, once I had learned a little, I tried to help the younger engineers I worked with improve. I barely had any idea of what I was doing, but I knew what they were supposed to be doing and what I learned doing it, so I tried.
More recently I have been trying to help others through programs at church. Nothing making money or growing power, but little, tiny attempts to help improve the lives of others. One young man told me of a dream, and I peppered him with ideas that might help him. Afterwards I figured it was probably too much all at once, but I saw the opportunity and I ran with it. I am not sure I could point to anyone who had a purposefully great impact on me from a different experience level, but I can see where a lot of people helped me a little here, there and yonder.
I encourage you to look at your life, see all those who helped you, say a prayer for them, and then set out to help others. The person you help may end up leading children through Taekwondo, mentoring at risk kids in school, or maybe helping someone become the creative genius behind a new internet or a new financial system or lead a swim team. And don’t wait until you are old and wise, start when you are young and energetic.
Great word and encouragement Jeff!!! You’re making an impact!