Just A Thought

 A man from Thompson, CT walks into a bank - true story - as he steps up to the teller she says, “Every time you come into the bank, the room lights up.” It wasn’t a romantic gesture or flattery. She was sincerely complementing him on how his attitude changed the atmosphere of the business environment. The man had some goodness inside that he was letting out everywhere he went. He wasn’t looking for other people to make him happy. He wasn’t complaining about his problems or the problems of the world. He was being the spring in the desert. 

In nature, a spring has the privilege of being a life source for everything around it. It doesn’t benefit from the animals and plants who draw strength from it, but the whole region benefits when the spring is flowing. If the spring had a mind of its own and spitefully chose to hold back its water, the whole region would suffer, and the spring would become useless. 

People are much happier when they operate like springs. Being kind to strangers and speaking wholesome and positive words make oases in the desert. Doing kind things for neighbors, picking up other people’s trash, and volunteering in the community make oases in the desert. They do not impact the whole world or irradicate all evil, but they make a difference to those close by. People can either curse the evil in the world, or they can make sure that a little good is trickling into the world through their intentional choices.

Several years ago, a preacher of a large church died. As expected, thousands attended his funeral. What was unexpected were a few employees from the local drive-thru coffee chain. They told funeral attendees that they came because the preacher was so kind that even the baristas considered him their friend. He was a spring. He wasn’t solving world hunger or being a great hero; He was just simply spreading kindness by the way he ordered his coffee.

Sometimes good people lament all the evil in the world and become distressed at those who are looting, killing and harming others. While those things should bother us, and something should be done about them, it does little good to talk about the bad news. But, while we figure ways to handle those big problems, maybe we would make more progress if hundreds of people would just become little springs of kindness. A decent number of strong springs would make a river. A river could turn a desert into a fruitful plain. It all starts with many people making small decisions to do something positive rather than just complaining about everything that’s negative. You can make a difference! You can be a spring!

If you feel you have nothing to give, say a prayer and ask for strength.  That was the secret to how Jesus changed the world. He famously said “Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” (When he said “living water,” he was speaking of the Spirit, who would be given to everyone believing in him. But the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet entered into his glory.)” (John 7:38-39 NLT)

If enough of us tap into His goodness, and let it flow through us to others, we can turn a desert into a garden. Don’t despair at the barrenness around you; just be a spring!

# posted by John W. Hanson @ Friday, August 25, 2023

 I was proud of them as they led the meeting. They were twenty or thirty years my junior, but I felt like they were doing a great job. Fulfilling roles I had once filled, they were well-spoken, respectful and on point. God was using them to change lives. Although they had been raised in a more radical world than I, they were able to stand for the same ideals and principles. In spite of increasing social pressure to abandon their morals and values, they refused. 

Who were these guys? They were mentees. They were guys that I had trained and disciplined. I knew their quirks and their struggles. I had helped them clean up a few messes. They were guys who had made, and would continue to make mistakes, but their hearts were in the right place. Over the years I could have impeded their progress. I could have limited their opportunities - out of an abundance of caution. I could have made a case to disqualify them from service. I am glad I didn’t.

When I think back to the people in my life who had the greatest impact on me, I realize they were people who were selfless enough to help me (the next generation) find my place. I benefitted from people who gave of themselves so I could have a chance to grow and succeed. Sometimes when I am ministering, I hear their voices mixed in with mine. Their willingness to take chances on me allowed for a multigenerational momentum. They are part of me, and I am part of the next generation.  

How significant will your impact be on others? Will you just take advantage of your opportunities, or will you make opportunities for others? Who are you inspiring? Who are you going to help reach their goals? Who will you be willing to let take your place? It’s the only way great causes stay afloat. 

It felt good that day to sit in a meeting run by the next generation. I felt privileged to have had a part in training and releasing them to make a difference in the world. I knew I was doing what Jesus did when he discipled and released his band of followers. What a tradition!

# posted by John W. Hanson @ Friday, August 11, 2023

 I was petrified. It was my first year in college. My palms were sweaty, my mouth was dry, and I was doing a lot of second guessing. I was 1,700 miles from home and about to do something I had never done before; I had the opportunity to give a speech before a real audience. Grant it, it was only a ten-minute speech. But I was about to go in front of an audience of several hundred peers and professionals who were used to listening to some of the best speakers on the planet. What if I stumbled over my words or was too nervous to read my notes? 

For me, this felt more like a chance to fail than a chance to succeed. Many times, that is how a challenge feels. But a challenge can be viewed as an opportunity. A staff member had arranged for me to give this speech, knowing that I needed to start somewhere. They understood that this could be a good way to help me break a personal barrier. It worked. My experience was positive, and it gave me the confidence to speak in other situations. What I do for a living started with a simple opportunity.

We have all read or heard similar stories where even opposition served as an opportunity. The key is perspective and motive. If what we do is done for the right reasons, and, if we believe God is with us, even opposition becomes a chance to do something good. That was my experience in junior high and high school. On many occasions I was mocked for being a Christian. My peers didn’t understand why I didn’t drink, smoke, cuss and sleep around. It bothered them that I was different. When I was able to think of my role as an honor, I was able to be myself and live out my faith. As a result, other students would often privately express their respect for me and my faith. The bullying was an opportunity to demonstrate my unashamed love for God.

Over the years it has become increasingly more counter-cultural to be a true believer. Now, all believers, no matter their age, have an opportunity to demonstrate their love for God and His principles. Rather that viewing this as a negative or painful situation, we can accept it as the same kind of opportunity God gave Daniel, Jeremiah or the Apostles. In my experience, many will join the crowd in ridiculing people of faith, but most will privately respect those who have the courage to live a genuinely Christian life. It is a challenge, but it is also a privilege. These are the kind of opportunities that require a close walk with God to survive. It is a path less chosen, but it is a life better lived.

# posted by John W. Hanson @ Friday, August 04, 2023