Influence is not just delegated to media personalities, writers, and athletes! Each of us has a circle of influence–family, coworkers, neighbors, and more! Who is in your circle?
Who do you influence?
My most important circle of influence is my family! I want my words and actions to demonstrate not just my love for them but God’s love for them. Their spiritual, physical, and emotional health matters greatly to me.
Lois and Eunice model for all of us how to influence our families. We meet them in 2 Timothy 1:5. Paul commends Timothy’s faith pointing out his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, lived out their faith first. We don’t know much else about Lois and Eunice but their faith and influence in the family were important enough to be included in Scripture.
Lois and Eunice were most likely stay-at-home moms, yet their influence is still relevant today. Paul mentored Timothy but their faith modeled before him gave Paul a foundation on which to build. As Paul’s helper, Timothy impacted the early Christian church and is still impacting the church today.
Influence in our crazy world
Our current world flipped upside down. We work from home, our children and grandchildren cannot attend school, and proper social distance is required of us all. So how does it affect our influence?
- Family togetherness all the time is the new normal. Parents face the challenge of trying to work from home while also providing for the constant physical and social needs of their children. Many times a day balance between frustration and caring empathy will be challenged. Take advantage of your “coffee breaks” to give gentle instruction and interaction. Facebook and Pinterest post abound with ideas on how to handle forced homeschooling and togetherness.
- No commute means more time with the members of your household not more hours of work. Force yourself to “leave the office” after your normal workday. The extra time is a gift that needs to be opened and enjoyed. Fix dinner together rather than ordering takeout. Take a walk to get exercise and enjoy nature. Intentionally plan your time together to play games, watch a movie together, create art projects, or bake cookies. Don’t let the TV become a babysitter!
- If your children are grown and you have grandchildren, your influence is not diminished by forced separation. Take advantage of video messaging apps like FB Messenger, Facetime, Zoom, etc. I’m hoping to set up FB Messenger appointments with my grand-kiddos on Sunday when my hubby is also home. If you have the resources, utilize online shopping to send appropriate craft kits, new videos, or books (but check with their parents first).
- The most important tool of influence you can practice is prayer. Pray for peace in your home and community. Pray for protection from sickness and healing for the sick. Pray with your family and encourage your children/grandchildren to take an active part in that prayer not just a listener to your prayers. Make a prayer list and have each family member choose one item on the list that they will pray for during your time of petition.
- Live your faith during this stressful time. Make Galatians 5:22-23 and Philippians 4:8 as your guides. I realize that we should always use these verses as guides but it’s even more important now. Be careful your words and actions set a good example for your family
- . Whisper a quick prayer for help before you speak or act.
As we walk through this trying time together, don’t allow yourself to become isolated and lonely. In this day of technology, use the tools to stay in touch with the ones that you love. We can get through this if we support each other virtually or at a safe social distance.
I’m thankful for this time to enjoy my heart for home and to share it with you. I pray for blessings and health for you!
