Influence

According to international news accounts, Mathieu Boya delivered in 1987 the most devastating golf shot in history. His errant drive struck a flying bird, which flopped into the open cockpit of a taxiing jet. The startled pilot lost control and slammed his plane into four shiny mirage jet fighters. The entire Air Force of the African republic of Benin was destroyed. Boya was charged with 'hooliganism' and fined $40 million.

Fortunately, our words and deeds seldom have such devastating results. But like ripples in a pond, our influence goes farther than we realize. Our smile, warm greeting, and encouraging word could be the highlight in someone's entire day. It may be the one thing that keeps someone from giving up. Today let's try to make someone's day.

 - Bill Bouknight, Christ United Methodist Church, Memphis, TN