Have you ever thought that you just didn't have the “stuff” inside of you to be one of those Christians who have such a big impact in the lives of other people? What could [do that would ever be so great or a "big deal"? Don't most of us think that these things are done by our elders, or preacher, or maybe even just some very charismatic person. I think we should think again. The way we live every day, and the simple things we do for each other can have a big impact on others without our even knowing it. The following was forwarded to me in my email. I realize this mayor may not be a real story, but think about it.

D. Crihfield

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw that a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself: "Why would anyone bring home all of his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on. As I was walking, I saw a bunch of older kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet away.

Kyle looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and, as he crawled around looking for his glasses, I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks!" There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, Kyle lived near me, so I asked him why I'd never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now. Up till then, I would never have hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. Kyle turned out to be a pretty cool kid. As I turned to walk up to my house. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends, and Kyle said yes. As it turned out, we hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. My friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of book again. I stopped him and said, "Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books. Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. I used to kid him about being a nerd, but his studiousness paid off. Kyle was valedictorian of our high school class, and as such he had to deliver a speech for graduation. I was just glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak. On graduation day, I saw Kyle, and he looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He certainly had more dates than I did, and all the girls loved him. As I walked up to Kyle, I could sense that he was nervous about his valedictory. So, playfully, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy. you'll be great!" Kyle looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began. "Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach. but mostly your friends. "I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story." The I just looked and listened in disbelief as my friend, Kyle, told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend, he recalled. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked over at me and gave me a little smile. "Thankfully. I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable."

I heard gasps and murmurs move through the crowd as this handsome, popular kid told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and dad looking at me, smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize its deep meaning. Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture each of us can change another person's life. For better or for worse, God puts us all in each other's lives to affect one another in some way.