Rubber Ducky

My second oldest daughter is celebrating her 20th birthday this week and has decided that she wants a rubber ducky birthday party. You might think her party theme is a little unusual, but it truly fits her personality.

She is silly, fun, creative, loving, smart, giving, pretty, and more. She has a wonderful sense of humor, fun loving demeanor, and contagious smile, not to mention she loves the color yellow and rubber ducks. She is as unique as each of her 130+ rubber ducks in the collection on her bedroom shelf and infinitely more valuable. She is a world changer, and we are all better for knowing her.

Unfortunately, I don’t tell her these things enough. Too often, I go about my daily routine and forget to speak affirming words over her and my other loved ones. Don’t we all?

Let’s take it a step further and think about what we don’t say to everyone else we encounter. We often overlook the priceless imprint people have on our world, and we take them for granted. What if the boy who mows your lawn on Fridays moved away, or your favorite neighbor stopped coming over to visit? You might not think much about them when they are around, but you would miss them if they weren’t there.

We are missing valuable opportunities to sow seeds of love and encouragement everywhere we go, rather than sadness, anger, and despair.

Today, I have decided to do my part.

In case no one has told you – You are a world changer. You are unique. You are valuable. Our world is better because you are in it. You are important to the people around you. Even if you don’t see it, you matter to someone.

You are making a one-of-a-kind impact on those in your sphere of influence. The contributions you make to humanity are important. Whether you are the homeless man on the streets, a dish washer at a local restaurant, or a billionaire, you are irreplaceable.

Every human being is created by God to leave a legacy, an imprint. When God created you, he said, “it is good.” You are not here by mistake or chance. You are meant to be YOUR very best version of you. No one compares to you, and you have no other shoes to fill. Your worth is not defined by your past, your job, your bank account, your talents, your failures, your mistakes, or others’ opinions.

You are capable of more than you know, and your words have power. When you speak, others listen – even if you don’t realize it. You can be a light in hopeless situations. You can be the blessing someone else is praying for today.

It’s amazing what some life giving words can do for the human soul.

Now don’t you feel better? I know I do.

Let’s spread those seeds of love and encouragement.