Imprint

copyright Millie Plastaras 12/17/07
Good Morning Everyone,

When you think about people who have been in your life
that made a impression on you which was positive
and inspiring, that you never forgot about, what did
they do to leave that impression? Of all the people
who have entered your life, what did they do that
left their imprint upon your heart?

Today as I was thinking about this, the word "imprint"
came to my heart. Below is the dictionary definition of
imprint:

1. To produce (a mark or pattern) on a surface by pressure.
2. To produce a mark on (a surface) by pressure.
3. To impart a strong or vivid impression of
4. To fix firmly, as in the mind

I thought about this in our relationships with others.
We make a imprint in the hearts and minds of every one we meet.
It would seem to me that as the years passed, and imprints
were built up in our memory that we would want to make
sure our imprint was one of love, compassion, forgiveness,
strength and hopefulness.

What will you be remembered for?

If you are not happy with that, well don't beat yourself up for it.
There is still time to change that! Make up with people you hold
grudges against, forgive them. Talk to people you have stopped
talking to. Say things to people you know you should have said
but never did. Life is not a dress rehearsal. It is happening
around us while we are planning on what to do with it.

Don't neglect the present while you are planning for the
future, or dwelling on the past. What you have within your hands
is today. Make it count. Make your imprint upon this world
filled with the love of Christ. Shining with love, and gifted with compassion,
and seasoned with the wisdom of God sprinkled in your hearts, thoughts
and actions.

Go out and follow your dreams. Accomplish something.
Make a difference. One day at a time, one person at a time.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved,
clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness,
and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever
grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as
the Lord forgave you.
Colossians 3:12-13

Use hospitality to one another without grudging. As every man
has received the gift, even so ministering the same to one another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:9-10

Do others see Jesus in you? If not, its not too late!
Today is a new day.. seek that which is good, and repent
from that which is fruitless and unkind or even sin. Just
ask forgiveness and start again. Life is passing by folks.
Don't wait.

My dad's poem once again rings in my heart:

Only one life, will soon be past,
Only what is done, for Christ shall last.