As I prepare to write, I stand amazed at how quickly and thoroughly our new puppy has impact wherever he goes.  In about ten seconds time he has chewed a box, tried to pull out the computer wire, chomped on the trashcan, brought out a towel, carried papers away and various other “accomplishments”.  I am confident he is leaving a mark every place he visits, albeit not always a positive one. (It’s a good thing he’s so cute)

While still a baby, and not yet trained, this tiny little furball can alter numerous situations around him quite quickly and decisively.  It is dumbfounding to me.  (I’m also becoming a strong advocate for crate training)

I pray, as I go about my day today, that I can “leave a mark” (a good one), on people and situations with whom I come in contact.  I am confident that this can’t happen without prayer, thought, focus and initiative.  Hebrews 10:23-24

    Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (emphasis added)

If I am not alert to the presence of God in my life I can just go through the day, leaving little or no mark.  I can sometimes be like a phrase I once heard, “Sometimes I sit and think, and sometimes I just sit.”

One of my friends, when I was a young Christian, used to greet me excitedly saying, “Did you have a Jesus day?  Did you have some Jesus conversations?”  This would always get me thinking, because when I consider the life of Jesus, and read again and again the accounts of that life I am utterly amazed at Him, and called so much higher.  Everywhere Jesus went…every person he spoke to, every situation he was in …he made a difference.  He left a mark.  The sick were healed and “casual conversations” led to decisions that altered eternity for men and women.  When Jesus spoke with individuals they felt heard and understood- loved, and often very challenged.  He spoke with authority.  He also cried with compassion.  He was dependent on his relationship with the Father.  He spoke the truth that resonated with hurting, troubled and complacent hearts.  He made huge “dinner parties” from mere leftovers, kept to what was truly important over the urgent and showed us what love really means.  He did this in an unparalleled way -by giving his own life for those who disregarded him and spat in his face, including me.  Yes, I am amazed.  I pray I can leave some mark today that reflects Jesus in me and points someone to him in a life-changing way.

Matthew 5:16

    In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

1 John 2:6

    Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Yes, our new puppy leaves a mark everywhere he goes.  Like him, I pray to leave more of a mark where I go… and challenging as it is, I pray it will be more like Jesus than Denver….having  a “Jesus day”, that brings Him to situations and conversations I encounter, one person at a time

Col. 3:17

    And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Hebrews 13:20-21

    May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, [21] equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.