Day Forty Eight - Making our mark

Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

Hebrews 12 verse 1.

Over the last few days I have been searching without success for a book which contains an article about a couple who while looking round an old church came across an outline or mark on the wall that had been made by a small wooden cross which had hung there for many years. I’ve hunted through all our bookcases even taken some books out convinced that it must have lodged behind another book. Needless to say, I have now given up that search deeply disappointed. I am sure that one day it will, out of the blue, surface and come to light right in front of my eyes. Why am I telling you about this? Simply because I had decided to base this article on the ‘mark’ on the wall. How we can all make our mark.

Sometimes we have to stop, take stock, rethink and change direction. Sometimes we don’t want to take another path, even when all looks hopeless. Sometimes our pride keeps us from turning, sometimes we think that what we want to do or say is of the utmost importance, that nothing should stand in our way, therefore we continue. In my case, searching for a book that would allow me to pontificate, to expound on the importance of this mark on the wall.

While reading an article from my ‘Friendship book’, that a lovely friend in Scotland had sent me, I came across these words:-

“If you want to make the world – or at least your part of it – a better place, you could do a lot worse than heed the last words of St. David (or Dewi Sant), the Bishop of Mynyw and the patron saint of Wales. His final instruction to his many followers was something each of them could carry out.

“It was to be faithful in the little things. The little things, like keeping your word, offering a helping hand, being an encourager, putting others first, and so on, requires no great plans or preparation. There is no great need to study or practice, and you never need to wait until a more suitable time. You simply live openly, honestly and with compassion, whenever the opportunity presents itself.”

Many a saint has built his or her reputation on little things done well. You and I might build a good life in exactly the same way.

We can make our ‘mark’ without great words but by actions that are just part of our everyday commitment to the world around us.

This has been a very difficult time for everyone, regardless of nationality, age, or position. Times of loneliness, of anxiety, of deep grief, but throughout all this there has been so many acts of kindness, of selfless commitment to others in their time of need. Many a challenge met and conquered, many a battle won.

Each day brings with it new challenges, let us not waste time searching for what we cannot find. Let us seek first what the Lord requires of us, then faithfully commit ourselves to the challenges that are before us.

May the Lord Bless and keep you safe.

Betty Bentham