Maybe they recognize my silver station wagon Jetta

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday that I am student teaching, I drive on the same roads following the same route to get to the same school at the same time each morning.  And along my way, I see the same people doing the same thing everyday.  There is the mom who stands on the corner with her daughter waiting for the school bus.  There is the middle-aged woman who stands across the street reading her novel as she paces back and forth waiting for the city bus.  There are the same 3 pre-teens performing impressive “tricks” on their bikes along the sidewalk behind WinCo.  And there is the autistic man I would guess to be in his mid 30s who wears the same hoodie everyday was he walks toward me just before I cross Kuebler.  There is often even the same man who is waiting in his red truck finishing his handheld breakfast at the stop sign as I turn onto Melissa. 

I was thinking the other day (while I was driving this route) about how these people somehow play a role in my life.  I expect to see them.  They have become part of my daily commute and the days they are not there make me wonder where else the could possibly be but at their distinct locations doing their distinct “duty” at 7:50 in the morning. 

Then it hit me: maybe some of these people expect to see me.  Maybe they recognize my silver station wagon Jetta complete with Corban stickers on the back window and a tree air freshener hanging off the review mirror.  Maybe they expect to see my still shower-wet hair, mug of much needed coffee, and one of several “teacher sweaters” gracing their presence as they stand waiting for the bus, commuting to work, or finishing a breakfast-on-the-go.  As much as I think and feel like I am the factor that is affected by all the rest, the reality is: I am in this, too. 

There are people in our lives who leave a lasting impact.  Some of those people may not even be aware that we still think about them and are permanently affected by their words, actions, or example. 

There are many people who I am grateful for in my life.  They have helped me grow, learn and figure out this thing called life.  They have inspired me, encouraged me, and challenged me.  And sadly, many of them have no idea of their significance in my life.

There (unfortunately) are also people who have left some kind of scar.  Maybe it was that bully in 7^th grade who mocked me and put sucked-on suckers in my hair.  Or someone who could just never find something nice to say and whose cruel words still ring fresh in my ears.  Many of these people, perhaps even more so than the latter group, have no clue the impact they have made.

Regardless of weather or not you know it, you are making an impact in the lives of the people you come in contact with.  It’s easy to just focus on how others have impacted our own lives, but when we step back and really look at it, we are part of this, too. 

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Don’t get caught up in your hot cup of Joe, not-quite-finished-hair-do, or ever-consuming feeling of being in a hurry as you commute through life.  Remember that you are significant to those around you.  Good or bad, they will remember.  And while you have this opportunity, make the most of it.  Find ways to lift people up instead of bringing them down.  When it all comes down to it, we are all in this together.