“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

This past week I attended the funeral of a spunky little lady who was extremely loved. I only had known her for a short time before her dementia starting setting in. But even in that short time, I could see the impact she had on others. Not just her family, but anyone she came in contact with. At her funeral, the preacher made this statement: “On your gravestone there will be a date of birth and a date of death, and a little dash in between. It’s what we do with the little dash that means everything.” (paraphrased)

When I think of that dash, a particular one comes to mind. My nanny. That woman loved the Lord and loved others more than anyone else I can remember. She was at church every time those doors opened. She gave when she didn’t have a dime to give. I would lay in bed at night and listen to her pray for every single person she knew, and some she didn’t. 🙂 It didn’t matter how long she had to kneel down beside that bed, she would pray til she was done. Most times, I was asleep before that “amen” came. To most of the people she met, related or not, she was “nanny”. 🙂

The impact she had on my life, and probably anyone else’s life who came across her path, will last a lifetime. In fact, it will last beyond this life. The lessons she taught me just from watching her live her life for Jesus still play a huge part in my Christian walk today. I can only pray that one day my children and grandchildren can look back and say the same thing.

As Christians, this should be a goal we ALL have. To impact others. To impact the world around us. Jesus sent us out to be witnesses for him. This isn’t limited to telling the story and walking away. Being a witness for Him is living our lives so that others watching, even if they never hear the story, will know of Him. Being a witness is giving when you think no one is watching. Being a witness is taking a coworker by the hand and praying with them because maybe they’re having a rough time but can’t afford to leave work and have the breakdown they deserve. Being a witness is living your life for Him.

So how are you living your life to impact others today? Oh, don’t think I’m trying to step on any toes because believe you me MINE ARE SORE RIGHT NOW!!! I know I can be a better witness, a better person. I thank God that He looks past my faults and uses me to reach others regardless.

So about that dash. What are you doing with yours? When that last date is etched on your stone, what will your dash say?