Influence: to affect, to sway; to move a person to action. 

As I have begun this year with a new word and looking for "delight" in things, the Lord is showing me how I allow circumstances and other people around me influence me. I have allowed them to affect or sway my attitude and (confessing now), not always in the right direction. I have found my attitude plummeting instead of rising to Jesus. 

Now that I am more aware of it, I'm also asking the Lord, how can I influence others? How can I set my mind on things above? I may not have a huge platform like some folks do, but you know what? I affect others every single day in my own little world. Of course, it's not little to Him. God has put me in the world at this time in history to share my story with those around me. Every kind word I speak, every smile I give matters to Him. I can (or should) do that with every person I meet. Because, who knows...maybe that will make their world a brighter place, even just for a moment.

So, remember, no matter how small you may feel, you matter to God and to everyone you meet! 

Who will YOU influence today? 

Psalm 112: 5-9 (The Passion Translation)

"Life is good for the one who is generous and charitable,
    conducting affairs with honesty and truth. Their circumstances will never shake them and others will never forget their example. They will not live in fear or dread of what may come, for their hearts are firm, ever secure in their faith. Steady and strong, they will not be afraid, but will calmly face their every foe until they all go down in defeat. Never stingy and always generous to those in need, their lives of influence and honor will never be forgotten, for they were full of good deeds." (emphasis mine)

This post is part of Kate Motaung's "Five Minute Friday," which she hosts on the Five Minute Friday website. Kate posts a single word each week and each blogger sets a timer for 5 minutes to write and then posts, with very little editing. Check out the other writers this week!