Influnce and Impact

At graduation we made a slideshow that we were able to talk over and thank people that have influenced our lives. While I was writing my "speech" I sat and thought a while about the people that have influenced me. They come in all shapes and colors and backgrounds. Men and woman that don't just settle for par in their lives. They stretch out their hand to others and help them along the way. People talk about hero's and while some believe in them and some don't, I know I do. When I was little my hero was a friend of ours that owns a ranch out in Pearsall, TX. I followed him around when went hunting and called him "Mr. Sid", even though I don't call any other adults by their first name. I thought he was so cool because he could kill a 6 ft rattle snake with his bare hands and feared nothing. Once we were out hunting and my shoe got stuck in a huge green mud puddle. I yelled out, "Mr. Sid! The big green monster is eating my shoe!" and he came and saved me and my shoe. He was my hero that day. 

These days my heros don't save me from giant mud puddles, but they are just as important to me. They take time out of their busy lives to impact me. Everyday people that God uses to make a difference. Examples being Sarah, who listens to me and pushes me to look at others through God's eyes, Rick who has an incredible view of God that I can only hope to think like someday,  Jenn T who's smile and passion for people lights up a room, coach Tod who gave up so much to teach this uncoordinated homeschooler to play softball, Mr. Clegg who's lessons cause me to be in awe of my creator and want to draw closer to Him, my mom who laughs at my jokes(haven't figured out why yet) and helps me figure out my dreams, my dad who can fix anything and never seems to need a manuel;) my grandparents on both sides who have been married 50 years or more each, Woo and Lea Ann as they are such a huge part of my life even from far away, my friends that have challenged me and showed me transperancy....these are just some of the examples of people that have and continue to impact me. 

I want to be an impactor. I tend to think I'm too young to impact but the great thing about life is that there is ALWAYS someone younger than you. I want my days here on earth to be about serving my creator and impacting people for His kingdom. So, thank you to those that have impacted me and have placed that desire in my heart to impact others.