By Danny Minton

“I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” (American Quaker Missionary, Etienne de Grellet 1772-1855)

Next week, I add another number to the years I have opened my eyes to the world around me. As I pondered the seventy-seven years, I remembered the quote by Etienne Grellet (Stephen Grellet to some). The words he penned over one hundred and fifty years ago hold just as much meaning today as when he sat down and wrote them.

Over the past seven decades, I have met thousands of people. Many became friends and remain friends today. Some have been friends for as long as I can remember. There are many who I have known and remember, who, though not close friends, had many things in common for the short while we knew one another. Then there are the thousands of people I have met, maybe a few times, but only in passing. They are the store clerks, the people sitting behind the desk in an office, or even those I have met just passing through their lives for a few moments.

We leave a mark on the lives of each person we meet in this life. The impression we leave with those around us through our lives can change the lives of people with whom we come in contact. With many of those we pass along life’s way, we will only have one chance to influence their lives. What we say, do, and how we react or do not say, do, or react can influence them for the moment or maybe years to come.

When I think about Jesus and people, I’m reminded of how he always opened his eyes to those around Him. He always took the time to interact with people and meet their needs, even when those around Him were pulling Him in different directions. Walking and being pushed by a crowd, He still felt a woman touch the hem of his garment with an urgent need. Surrounded by a crowd, He still noticed a man sitting in a tree and having supper with him. A blind man, a leper, an adulterous woman, a woman alone at the well, or a small child in the crowd were all met by Jesus with a word or a need that He met. He would never see most of them again, but they would remember Him and the day he passed by.

How about us? What impression will we leave with the people we meet each day? Will our interactions improve their day, or will it leave them empty? Will they be better off for our having passed their way?

The messages of Jesus should ring in our everyday lives everywhere we go, no matter the circumstances. “Love each other as I have loved you.” “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you.” “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” “Do not judge lest you be judged.” “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive yours.” “By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.”

I know that over the past seven-plus decades, I have missed the mark in leaving those I meet with the impressions of appreciation and care. We cannot go back and change those negative meetings and reactions in the lives of people in our past. However, today starts a new day. How will we treat people today and tomorrow? Chances are we will never pass this way again or meet the same people. Will we leave them with the love of Jesus or turn them away? The choice is ours. What impression will we leave for those we pass by?

Danny Minton is a former Elder and minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ