Shaping a Life

Right smack in the middle of my examination of conscience I found myself reviewing an obituary list.  Don't ask.  I was clearly sidetracked, but I was looking for someone in particular.

Not finding the one I was looking for, I inadvertently came across a number of familiar people I had once known, including my former Girl Scouts leader.  I knew she had passed a few years ago, but seeing her picture and reading her obit sent me down a much longer path away from my examination.  Since I always pray that God leads me to where I need to be led in prayer, I went with it, and came back to my examination afterward.

I don't have a great memory when it comes to people from my childhood (maybe because it was sooo long ago?), but I remember my leader's kindness.  She was such a likeable person.  I can see the boxes and boxes of cookies stacked up on her front porch, waiting for little girls to pick up their orders. Anyway, as I read her obituary, I was shocked to learn how full her life was--outside of leading my troop! Imagine that!

This got me to thinking . . .

How many people influenced my life that I don't remember?  People who taught me little life lessons like my leader surely did?  Some people taught me to respect and appreciate my mom (who was a young widow) by their words and actions.  Some people must have assisted my mom and dad in teaching me how to treat those who were less fortunate.  Certainly some lessons from my early years in Catholic school stuck. How else would I know that the girl in my public junior high with the unusual facial features who always clung to a wall, overlooked by everyone, needed someone to acknowledge her.

I wonder about the people I don't remember who influenced my life.  I'd list them, but I don't know them.  Was there a grocery store clerk who was generous?  What did I learn from the playground supervisor, or the patrol person at school?

Most people can recall the people that taught them in school, or a neighbor's kindness, but how often do we consider the many and varied ways we learned about life from the nameless?

All of this led me to consider how grateful I am for all of the people who helped shape my life without me even knowing it.  But it brought something else to my attention.

We must remember that each one of us influences other people as well.  And while we may not be recognized for it, or even realize what we are doing, we can and do make a difference.  

It is a true legacy to leave others a little something that they can take with them throughout life that will help them become all that God intends them to be.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com