Influence, a Story of Two Men

I know two men.  They have many similarities.  They love their families.  They have hearts for the downtrodden.  They do not just talk about their hurt for those in the margins.  They both work on behalf of those who know not how to make it on their own.  They both encourage others to share in service opportunities.  They are both very busy men.  They have very different realms of influence.

One of these men is angry.  His anger is righteous.  His anger is on behalf of others.  I do not question the sincerity nor the origins of his anger.  I am sure his anger is justified.  But, for me, his anger creates a darkness around him.  When his name comes up, or he posts on FB, I feel uncomfortable, and not in that good uncomfortable this-is-getting-me-out-of-my-comfort-zone feeling.  I am repelled.  I cannot hear his message because it is so vitriolic.  I never feel that those who respond to his requests for help ever quite satisfy his expectations.  He is often heard railing against the very people and organizations to whom he comes when needs arise.  He has a heart for the disenfranchised.  He seems to despise those who are advantaged, but still have struggles of every kind.  It seems as though he feels that he will never be able to do enough, a destructive form of arrogance.  He is a good man.  He is an angry man.  His influence reaps minimal results because of his anger. 

The other man is joyful.  Even in the midst of his inability to do everything he wants to do for everybody who needs help, he exudes contentment.  Not contentment with the ills of the world, but rather an understanding that he has work to do, and he will do it to the best of his ability, and ultimately God is in charge, a beautiful display of humility.  He has a heart as big as all outdoors, but he uses his head too.  When I want to serve, but because I sometimes think with my heart and not my head, it is to him I go.  He tells me why my heart-thinking makes me feel better, but the consequences are not for the good of those I wish to serve.  When he asks for help, he is grateful for anything anybody does.  He understands that we all have gifts, and that mine do not have to look like his.  He is quick to laugh.  He has a great sense of humor.   There is a light about him.  He enjoys life.  He enjoys his service to others.  His influence garners a great harvest because of his joy.

So for today, I wish you joy in service, an overflowing yield from your influence, and
blessings