Recently while on a road trip I was contemplating the Power of One.

Can the words I write really make a difference to someone? When I smile at a co-worker as we pass in the hallway does it improve his day? Do all the little things I do to make the holidays special really mean anything to my family? As I contemplate these things and ease into self reflection my mind drifts to my grandfather.

My grandfather spreads joy like soft butter on a warm biscuit. He has a twinkle in his eye, a spring in his step and he’ll do just about anything to make you laugh – out loud. Once he mailed me a bag of shredded money with a bottle of Elmer’s Glue attached to it. Another time he mailed me a cookie – just one cookie in an envelope. He said he was eating them and thought I’d enjoy one.

All this reminiscing makes me decide to call my grandfather and thank him for the birthday package he sent me: two cupcakes with matches and birthday candles. As we’re chatting and enjoying each other’s company I notice a Starbucks and pull in the parking lot. Thinking I’ll finish talking with my grandpa and then pull in the drive thru to order my Frapaccino I park in the only space available – a handicap spot.

A few minutes later, a man walks up to my car. I roll down my window and he barks “Either move out of the handicap spot or I’m calling the police!” He stands there and glares at me a moment and then gets in his own car which is parked next to mine. I hesitate , but decide to move my car. The man was rude, but I was wrong to even pause in the handicap spot. I order my Frapaccino and tell the attendant at the window what happened. She says the man was not from Starbucks. Evidently he was just an agitated citizen. As I drive away I realize this too is an example of the power of one.

The Power Of One: the power to affect others – positively or negatively.

Every day that we walk out our door to meet the world we must choose how we want to impact our world. Do we want to be a grumpy man in a Starbucks parking lot? Or a loving family member who makes others smile? You decide.

Of course tthe greatest example of the Power of  One– Jesus Christ!

Write and share who in your life has influence you through their Power Of One….

-Debbie J

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