WHEN YOU THINK NO ONE NOTICED

Perhaps the title for this blog is somewhat of a misnomer, but “When You Think Someone Only Noticed for a Little While, and Then Forgot” was a little unwieldy for my taste.

I think what happened yesterday is a case in point for something I might have passed off as temporary and insignificant having a great deal more import than I could ever have imagined.

I had just walked into the main sanctuary for the 11am worship service; having just finished a 10am mentoring session with a wonderful young lady in our church. As I walked in the side door, I noticed a man on one of the back pews of the church who looked somewhat familiar.

Walking up to the visitor I greeted him, and asked him his name. No sooner had he responded with his moniker, he said,

“I know who you are. I was here five years ago, and you sang, ‘I’d Rather Have Jesus.’” (and) “I’ve often thought of you and your song since that day.”

You could have knocked me over with a feather. I could not resist reassuring myself that I had heard the man correctly.

“You have often thought of my song which I sang five years ago?”

“Herb” smiled, and nodded.

Now he spoke again.

“Yes. Yes, I have. And I would like for you to sing it at my church sometime soon, or perhaps one of your own choosing.”

I responded with,

“Certainly, ‘Mr. Cranston,’ I’d be happy to sing at your church.”

Pt. 2

We just never know how much our words and actions have impacted friends, family and strangers for good and for God. And whereas, as a counselor, I often speak about Heritage, Destiny and Legacy, and that we receive a Heritage, we fulfill a Destiny, and we leave a Legacy, I would never in a million years have thought someone would walk into my church and tell me that he not only remembered a particular song I sang as a special from five years ago, but that he had often thought of my solo over half a decade.

I think one hundred percent of committed Christian believers are concerned about impacting those whom God has set in our pathway. I am also convinced that the majority of the men and women, boys and girls of the church tend to believe that the greater and more notable the word or deed, the greater the impact.

However, I can tell you that Herb’s statement got me to thinking about the significance of the simplest word or action, and its potential impact on people we may never see again during the course of this life. And after I drove up in my driveway, walked in the front door, took my shoes off, and dropped down in my easy chair, I was reminded of an incident from my own life.

Recently, I replicated a pilgrimage which my wife and I make to West Virginia and Kentucky on a bi-annual basis, as two of my daughters live in this region. However, since it had been quite some time since my son, Steve, had seen his sisters, and with Jean's concurrence, I invited him to accompany me.

While in West Virginia, I always stay in one of the only two hotels in Oak Hill; the Comfort Inn. Though the price definitely isn't right, (and I understand it is about to double) it is nice enough, and they provide a courtesy breakfast; thus, I have found little or no reason to pursue another venue.

Pt. 3

Speaking of breakfast, one morning while we were at the Comfort Inn, and enjoying our meal, a young family walked in. Father and mother looked to be about 35 years of age, and they were accompanied by a little boy. Having served themselves from the buffet, they sat down at the next table, and began to eat. However, their son seemed more interested in socializing with yours truly.

Stepping up to me, he smiled, lifted his right hand and presented three fingers, while verbalizing the same.

"I'm three!"

Returning "Billy's" smile I responded with,

"I'm sixty-eight!"

And then, so reminiscent of a passage from Luke Chapter Two, in which Simeon encounters Joseph and Mary and the child, Jesus in the Temple, (and for no apparent reason, except Providence), I said,

"You will live a very long life."

(and)

"You will do wonderful things!"

I cannot tell you where my words came from, nor whether they were particularly inspired. And I can only wonder what the toddler's parents may have thought about my prophetic utterance.

Of this, however, I am sure. Before our Lord breathed the worlds into place, or ever the sun and moon were flung into space, He knew each of us by name, and dreamed some pretty magnificent dreams for each and every one of us.

Yes, I am sure of it.

I don't expect to ever see that precious little tot again, and he will almost assuredly live into the next century; (while I will not). Nonetheless, I think God has some pretty marvelous plans for him, and, somehow, I'm convinced he will accomplish some pretty wonderful things.

Another example of the smallest word or deed carrying the potential for some pretty wonderful results. After these two occurrences, I will never think of any good thing in which we have been involved, or that we are inclined to do for another person as insignificant or of passing value.

by William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending

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