Have you ever stood on the bank of a calm river, pond, or lake and thrown pebbles into the water just to watch the ripples? Or watched as rain drops made many ripples all at once? There is something relaxing about watching the ripples slowly grow larger and larger until the water becomes still again.

Our lives are like those pebbles.  Our words and actions cause a ripple effect. There is the example of this where the husband comes home from a rough day at work, yells at his wife who in turn yells at the children.  The children, not having many outlets to extend the ripple, kick the dog. The dog is confused as to what he did to deserve such anger. It is hard to not take it personally when a loved one is displaying their rough day. It is difficult to let the “bad” ripples stop with you.

There are bad ripples and then there are the good ripples.  Pay it forward is a great example of a good ripple.  When we greet people with a smile, they smile in return. Usually. When we do a kind deed for others, they feel empowered to do the same for the next person. But, ripples don’t begin with a ripple. They begin with a pebble.

I witnessed a pebble cause a lot of ripples the other night. I work at a grocery store here in Florida. Publix is known for its customer service, but this night it was simply about a customer in need of a pebble and its ensuing ripple. An elderly lady, in a wheelchair, with a lot of medical bracelets on was trying to pay for her order. This is after a young male associate had helped her shop. Karla was attempting to buy a lot of groceries. When the cashier told her the total, she began telling him which items to put back as she did not have enough money. This went on for quite some time and I am sure the customers behind her were not happy about the delay. Karla was probably embarrassed, but the cashier was so patient with her.

Then the “pebble” showed up. Another associate saw what was happening and asked Karla how much money she had.  Karla had a $20 bill and a purse full of change. Karla had already put back so many items. I know I have never had to put food back due to lack of money. At this point, “Pebble” said she would pay the balance over the $20. You know what happened? The ripple effect. The customer behind Karla had his wallet out instructing the cashier to add the deleted items to his bill.  A customer from the register behind offered to buy Karla the $20 phone card she had put back. Karla wasn’t buying extravagant food, just the necessities. Her one “luxury” item was a .50 cent bag of potato chips. She got her chips.

As Karla was moved to another register to better serve her, more customers offered to pay for her food.  Karla ended up with her groceries, her phone card, and a heart of gratitude. But the ripple hadn’t become still yet. Karla had been dropped off at Publix from a Medical Transportation Service. These services allow customers to be picked up from a hospital, doctor, or rehab visit. Karla had just been released from the hospital. Unfortunately, these transportation services will not pick up a client from a grocery store. Karla had no way home. Her roommate was at work and it was now 9:00PM.  Once again Pebble stepped up.

Karla, her groceries, and wheelchair were loaded up in this associate’s car and driven home. Karla did not know how to get to her home and Pebble’s GPS wasn’t working, so the ripple had to be extended.  Pebble made a quick call and was directed turn by turn to Karla’s home by another ripple.

I watched in delight as all these people became a ripple of kindness and generosity towards Karla. Karla was so appreciative and humbled. I couldn’t help but wonder what would have happened if Pebble hadn’t shown up.

There is nothing wrong with being a ripple of love to those in need. However, I think there are more important questions we need to be asking ourselves. Am I willing to be the pebble? Am I willing to make the first move towards kindness, compassion, mercy, love, forgiveness? Am I willing to stir the waters of others’ souls? Am I willing to act with my heart and not my fears? Am I willing to help someone who can never repay me?

While Karla received love in tangible ways, others received a gift too.  They may not know it now, but it will come to them someday when they need it most. Those that witnessed the ripples around Karla got to see Jesus. Obviously, they did not see THE Jesus, but a great representation of Him.

Jesus didn’t wait until someone else stopped the stoning of the adulteress. Jesus didn’t wait until someone else spoke to the woman at the well. Jesus was always the pebble starting the ripple effect. Maybe the next time these customers are in a similar situation, they will be the pebble.

Deuteronomy 15:11 For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’

Take time today, and each day, to look for opportunities to be a pebble. If you can’t find one, try looking with your heart. If nothing else, be a ripple of goodness. You would be surprised how much a smile and ‘hello’ will do for another heart.