Your life splatters …

Have you ever walked through a crowded room with a cup of coffee, only to accidentally bump into someone and spill a little bit of that coffee onto them? It wasn’t on purpose. You weren’t trying to make a mess, but the spill happened anyway, leaving a stain behind on their clothes.

Our lives are a lot like that cup of coffee. Who we are and what we do — our actions, our words, our attitudes — inevitably splatters onto those around us. Whether we’re aware of it or not, we leave marks on the people we interact with (or just pass by!) every day. Sometimes those marks are small and barely noticeable, like a light coffee stain. Other times, they’re more significant, leaving a lasting impact that’s impossible to ignore.

Let me tell you about a man named Tom. Tom was the kind of person who always seemed to be in a rush. He was driven, focused, and always had a to-do list a mile long. But in his pursuit of getting things done, Tom often left a trail of stress and frustration in his wake. Without realizing it, his constant hurry and short temper were splattering onto his coworkers, creating an atmosphere of anxiety in the office.

One day, a colleague pulled Tom aside and said, “You might not know this, but the way you’ve been acting is really affecting the rest of us. We’re all on edge because we never know when you’re going to snap.” Tom was stunned. He hadn’t intended to make anyone feel that way, but the splatter of his stress was undeniable.

The Bible speaks to this kind of unintentional impact in James 3:6, where it says, “And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.” Our words, even when spoken in haste or frustration, can splatter onto others and cause harm in ways we never intended.

But the story doesn’t end there. Tom took that conversation to heart and began to make changes. He started to be more mindful of how his actions affected those around him. Instead of rushing through conversations, he made an effort to listen and engage with his coworkers. Slowly but surely, the atmosphere in the office began to change. The stress that had once hung in the air like a storm cloud was replaced by a sense of calm and cooperation.

Tom’s story is a reminder that our lives can splatter positively just as easily as they can negatively. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells us, “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” When we are intentional about our actions — when we choose to be kind, patient, and loving — our lives can splatter light and goodness onto those around us.

Consider Carla, a woman who had a quiet but profound impact on her community. Carla wasn’t a loud or outgoing person, but she was known for her unwavering kindness. Whether it was a simple smile to a stranger, a word of encouragement to a friend, or a helping hand to someone in need, Carla’s life splattered love and compassion wherever she went. The effects of her actions were far-reaching. People who knew Carla couldn’t help but feel uplifted by her presence. Her kindness inspired others to be kinder themselves, creating a chain reaction of warmth that spread far beyond her immediate circle.

Carla didn’t set out to change the world; she simply lived out her faith in everyday moments. But her life splattered onto others in a way that left a lasting but positive mark, a testament to the power of living intentionally.

So, what kind of splatter is your life leaving behind? Are you aware of the marks you’re making on others, even in the smallest interactions? It’s easy to go through life focused on our own goals and challenges, but we must remember that we’re constantly affecting those around us, whether we realize it or not.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:12-14, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” This scripture isn’t just about how we treat others, it’s about recognizing that our lives are intertwined with those around us, and our actions have the power to build up or tear down.

In the end, none of us live in complete isolation. We’re all part of a larger community, and our lives will inevitably splatter onto others. The question is, what kind of impact do you want to leave? Will your life be a source of light, encouragement, and love, or will it splatter selfishly, splashing hurt onto those around you?

Let’s strive to be mindful of the impact we make, making sure that our lives reflect the love and grace of Christ in all interactions. Because whether we intend to or not, our lives splatter.

Scotty