It Is a Small World, After All

www.ridgecrestumc.com

When I came into the office on Sunday morning, I discovered that there was a phone message from a local funeral home. Gladys Watters, a member of the church who was 98 years young, had passed away. The family wanted me to conduct the funeral service on Tuesday afternoon. I contacted Gladys' niece later on Sunday and made arrangements to meet with them on Monday afternoon.

When I got to the home, I sat down with Connie and Ralph (Gladys' niece and her husband). They told me about Gladys and her life, since I really didn't know much about her. She had a stroke 11 years ago and Connie and Ralph were able to come and live with her so that she wouldn't have to go into a nursing home. As a part of that discussion, Ralph commented that he worked in the oil industry.

Connie left the room for a few minutes and so I tried to make conversation with Ralph. I asked what he did in the oil industry and he told me. I said that my family had been in the oil business and that I was born in Hobbs, NM. He said, "I was born in Hobbs, to." I expressed surprise and told him that my dad had owned an engine repair business called "Hills Engine" and asked if he knew of it. He then said, "Do you know Bobby Hall?" Well, Bobby is my brother (well, technically half brother, but who is counting?). It wound up that Ralph is a very good friend and customer of my brother. He had lunch with Bobby a few weeks ago and talks to Bobby on a regular basis. When I left the house, I called my brother to let him know. He was blown away!

What I was reminded of is how interconnected we all are. Our families and friends don't live in a vacuum. They have families and friends--and so forth, down the line. And in many cases, those connections ultimately circle back around and you randomly meet a good friend of your brother--a friend that you didn't know existed (especially living in the home of one of your church members). Because of the interconnectedness of our lives, we have an unbelievable opportunity to influence (positively, I hope) the lives of others. The fabric of our relationships is like a spider's web. If anything lands in the web, the spider knows about it because of the vibrations that move out across the web. When we influence some one's life--by helping them or offering them comfort during a time of need--we set off vibrations throughout their web of family and friends. When we minister in the name of Jesus Christ, it is like a rock thrown into a pond. The affects are seen beyond where the rock lands--they move out in ripples to affect the entire pond.

Why don't you work to make some ripples today--in the name of the Christ Child!