Consequences

I read something just recently in "What Happens When Women Walk in Faith" by Lysa Terkeurest. She was talking about Joseph's brothers and every thing that they caused by the decision they made to place Joseph in the pit. She says, "They caused not harm to their own family, but eventually to the entire nation of Israel. Sadly these brothers were living their lives unaware of the tragic consequences of one act of disobedience." She goes on to compare, "As we make ordinary decisions on ordinary days do we have any idea the impact and influence those decisions make on those around us and generations to come."

This reminded me of Haden's second Christmas. It was the first one that he was really excited about waking up early to see what Santa had brought him. Unfortunately around 3:00 a.m. Christmas morning Adam was called out. A young girl had taken off with her baby, who was not in her custody, and no one knew where they were. Adam continued to help with this investigation as Haden woke up excited about Christmas morning. I tried to explain the best way I could to a 2 year old that Daddy was working, and he wanted us to wait on him to open presents. Bless his heart, he did not get upset. He just sat by the tree eyeing the goods. I kept him busy by doing fun activities around the house. We made french toast Christmas trees and decorated them with M&Ms, and played numerous games, but betweeen every activity he would find his way back to the tree to stare at the gifts. Finally, around noon, the young girl and baby were found safe. Although we were only inconvenienced in a small way, it made me wonder if that young girl knew the depth of her actions, right down to a 2 year old who had to wait on his Daddy to find her before he could have Christmas.

How many times am I short with someone at the store because I am in a hurry or just a bad mood? How many times do I not smile at someone, just because I am exhausted? I wonder what unknown influences I am having over people's lives.

God help me to not be selfish with my words, thoughts, and actions. May they be pleasing to you.

Hebrews 12:15
"Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and by it, defiling many."