There are times that totally surprise the daylights out of you…you know? Last night was one of them.
Every year there is a scholarship offered to the senior students of Indiana schools. It is called the Lilly Endowment and it is a really big deal. I believe it pays for tuition for all four years…as long as the student attends an Indiana school. That is a huge deal since many of the Indiana schools (Rose-Hulman, Taylor, Butler, Anderson and others) are super expensive schools. So tons of students apply but only a few are chosen.
Tuesday night the finalists were introduced to a large group of people which included family, friends, and interested community members. They tell a little about themselves purely as information. The finalist will not be revealed until May 6th. One of the finalists invited Jo & me to attend. We were quite honored to be asked.
What surprised me though was one of the speakers talked about his church and specifically introduced me. I have to admit I was stunned. I didn’t pay him…honestly!! 🙂 I never even knew I had that much of an influence on him, so I am still, even this morning, somewhat taken aback by his recognition. Not that I’m complaining (unless he wanted brownie points from God because he mentioned a pastor). 😉
My point is not to boast, because I certainly hope it is not taken as that. My point is the influence we have on people when we don’t even know. It has often been said that no matter where we go someone knows us. I would go further to add: no matter whom we come in contact with we have an influence. Good or bad.
Just think about it.
That sounds like a great and memorable moment. Good for you brother.
Thanks Daniel. I’m still sort of stunned by it.
What a sweet moment! We never know how many lives we touch, do we? Let us pray it is always for the good.
Blessings, Bill!
Agreed Martha. Always good.
I find myself influenced by a lot of people, a lot of unknown people, every time I step out my door. But I do have a thing where I always turn the bad influences into a bright ray to lighten my day. So it’s all good!
Congratulations!
That is the important thing to do Ed. Turn the bad into good.
The older I get, the more I realize the long term effect we have on people.. without even knowing it at the moment. It’s a lesson I wish I’d learned at a younger age.. – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
So true Gingi. Wait till you get my age. 🙂
Great encouragement for you Bill and for others who were there. I do believe God knows exactly the times we need a word from others to help us continue on. Ace always said when we worked with the teens we must have long term vision since we probably won’t see the results of what was put into them till years later. It has proved to be true.
Ace was and is right Betty. I have this sneaking suspicion you two have influenced a ton of people along the way.
We definitely don’t often see the impact we have on others
No you don’t know who you might influence. That is why it is always best to be positive. Positive about this world and whatever you want to say about the next is insignificant. But always positive about this world. People that are negative about this world will not attract attention to whatever their thoughts are about the next.