By Gina Caswell Kelly
Football season is one of my favorite seasons of the year. I absolutely love watching kids compete. I am not a fan of pro football. It has just lost something by that level, in my opinion. But, now watching the middle school and high school kids play is just the best!
I am very blessed to still get to be on the sidelines, taking pictures and developing a relationship with these kids. This is a blessing I do not take for granted. I hope they always see me as someone they can talk to and someone that loves them whether they fumble, miss a tackle, or get a penalty. I like to be that unconditional love on the sidelines. Over the years, I have had guys share with me some issues in their lives. I have had them ask me to pray for them. The interesting thing is that I don’t walk around the sidelines with my Bible in my hand. I don’t stand there preaching. I just go out there and do what God placed me here to do. And somehow, they see in me that I do love God and I do serve Him. And that is the way it is supposed to be.
I did not tell you all that so you would think how special I am. I am not special. I am telling you that so you can see that it matters how we live our lives. It matters how bright our light shines. It matters that we show the world Jesus in our actions and in our language. On the sidelines, I definitely hear colorful language, but more times than not, the guys will see me standing there and apologize. They recognize that they have said something offensive. And they recognize that is not language I would use. Teaching moments that happen without me having to say a word. Those are the best lessons!
As you go about your life, be aware of who all you are around. Be aware of who is falling under the shadow of your influence. Be aware that how you act and what you say matters. I heard a speaker say one time, “Always be a witness. Use words when necessary.” I love that. He is saying that we must live our lives as a witness of what Jesus has done in our hearts. We have to be intentional about living a life of service to others and service for Him. That is the witness that matters.
Live your life as light before others. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. It will make a difference!
You can listen to Making a Difference right here:
