Ripples of influence


 

I am always fascinated to toss a rock into a quiet lake, or touch the water with my hand, and see the ripples spreading out in concentric circles. They start out strong and tight, having more power close to the source; but as time passes they spread further and further out reaching to more and more locations and effecting the water along the way, but weakening as they go out. Gradually the ripples weaken and the water returns to its still and quiet state. A bigger rock makes a bigger "splash" and the ripples are stronger and spread further. But ripples are hard to notice when the water is flowing or already disturbed by wind or other activity. They work best in quiet water.
I think ripples are a good analogy for the impact each of us has in the world. We all make "disturbances" in the water - clearly, some more than others, but each of us truly does make a difference. We have an impact especially on those closest to us. That influence can be good or bad - probably most of us contribute in both of those ways at one time or another, but we strive to have good influence.
All ripples do fade as time goes by. But our ripple of influence can spread wide, by another means - the people we impact or help can then pass on the influence to others, causing the ripple to propagate, to actually gain power and be magnified.
And like the water, when we live in times or situations that are very agitated or noisy, it's hard for our ripples to even be noticed. It's good to seek situations and settings of more peace and contentment, avoiding the chaos of contention or confrontation. Our sincere and worthy efforts can contribute much to that goal.
I #GiveThanks for people - countless people - whose ripples have touched my life for good. I have identified many of them, and I know many are less well known to me but nevertheless have made a difference. I hope to receive and magnify the ripples as I pass them on.

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