Fingerprints Left Behind

Fingerprints Left Behind

Martha Meister Kiely

"Establish thou the work of our hands upon us, yea, the work of our hands establish thou it." Psalm 90:17

The poet may claim that great men leave footprints behind them on the sands of time, but any mother knows that what children leave behind them on windows and woodwork and cake icing is fingerprints. Nevertheless, both speak eloquently of our mark upon the world around us. No one passes through this life--or even lives a single day--without influencing it for better or for worst.

Mussolini said that he wanted to make a mark on the world like the claws of a lion. He did, and the bleeding wounds left behind are still unhealed.

John Wesley sought only to glorify God and make him know to others. He left behind him nothing but a good library or books, a well-worn clergyman's gown, a much abused reputation, and The Methodist Church.

Today leave a mark of kindness upon those you touch.

SCRIPTURE Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Galatians 6: 1-10)

PRAY Almighty God, help me to reach out this day in helpfulness and generosity. May those who most need to feel the touch of my hands this day be touched by my compassion. Establish thou the work of my hands, O Lord, that I may a part of the world's answer instead of a part of it's problem. Amen.

Devotions for Women at Home, Martha Meister Kiely, pg 51, Abingdon Press ISBN 0-687-10679-6