Let me tell you why I took this picture and why I love it. I was struck by the wakes the birds are leaving behind them. There is the simple beauty of it and what it spoke to me.

Do you see the point at the top of the wake where each of them is slicing through the water? They are just swimming and doing their thing and it doesn’t look like much, the wake starts small at the top. BUT behind them the impact of what they are doing gets bigger and bigger. Then when you put them side-by-side their impact intersects.

When Jesus first came to earth as a baby, He was not heralded in with fanfare. It was unassuming and only a few were told about His birth. We know that when Jesus grew up the people around Him didn’t know who He was. They just knew Him as the carpenter’s son. “Then they scoffed, ‘He’s the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers - James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.’” Matthew 13:55

But as Jesus started His ministry the wake grew. More and more people were impacted and changed because of what He was doing and saying.

“News about him spread as far as Syria…” Matthew 4:24

Then others joined Him and their wake added to His and the impact grew and changed the world.

Each of us are here because of their impact and the ripple effect down through history and time. Each follower of Christ that came before us was faithful to do their part. By living their lives and being faithful, their wake made a difference in the lives around them.

It all started with God. He knew we would need Jesus to come as a baby, so as a man He could die for us.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whoever puts his trust in God’s Son will not be lost but will have life that lasts forever.” John 3:16 (NLV)

The point is Jesus. He is leading us. We are called to be faithful and live our lives in such a way that the impact of our wake ripples through generations to come. God not only calls us, His promises and instruction enable us.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discpline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“Now all the glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more that we might ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the master you are serving is Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

What a wonderful reminder of God’s great love and purpose in Jesus coming to earth. And what a great challenge to live our lives for Him and Him alone. It doesn’t need to be a big point to make a difference, it just need to be there.

I don’t know about you, but off and on these past couple of years have felt like I was tumbling in a tumultuous wave. And when I would come up for air another wave would hit and I would go tumbling again. It is not lost on me that we can be fatigued with trying to figure all the things out and finding a new rhythm and new normal. There has been a lot of change and it can be easy to let this part of our lives slip a little. I mean God gets it. He forgives. That’s all true. BUT…

In my life I have noticed that the small things, good habits or unhealthy habits make a big difference. It is the determined tiny steps of pursuing and honoring God that bring the biggest change in my life. When I take those steps each day I can look back and see how far I’ve come. I have also learned to let God’s grace teach me to give myself grace when I’m struggling. It’s not easy allowing ourselves that freedom, we feel like we should be working it out.

Showing up and being present ~ for ourselves ~ for others is where we will see the biggest wake. Living our lives with purpose and grace, even the messy and broken bits, can bring the biggest impact. Jesus knew His assignment. Jesus loved and met people where they were as He was living His life. We can do the same. We are called to do the same.

And just like those swans in picture, alone our wake is good and will touch lives, but together… look out world!

My prayer, as we celebrate His coming to earth and prepare for this next year, is we will re-surrender (check out the song below) our lives to Him. That we will make a fresh commitment to show up; be present; love others and make an impact. Who knows what could happen? I can’t wait to find out!

I hope you have a great Christmas and wonderful New Year!
I will be taking next week off to be with my family. See you in January!
All My love ~
Jodi xoxo
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