There is a show that airs here that I really like called “Random Acts of Kindness.” One of the reasons I like it so much is because you get a chance to see how ordinary people have done some very extraordinary things. These people had a burden for someone else or a passion to see something accomplished. Many of them had very little finances or resources to accomplish their dreams. But they had something special: determination and perseverance. One woman in particular saw a homeless man reading a book which made her realise that most homeless people probably would love to escape in a book or learn something new. She knew they could not afford to buy a book or would not be welcome in a public library. So, she started a small operation right out of the boot of her car taking new and used books to homeless people one evening each week. One of the men later got his life back together and became an accomplished artist. In this episode one of the ways she was honored was by a painting done by this man, picturing the homeless getting their books. Now she has footpath libraries operating in several cities in Australia. With the gifts of money, a new van, fuel vouchers, and a computer the show awarded her, she will be able to continue opening new libraries in other parts of the country. She never expected or asked for the Random Acts of Kindness she received from the show. She just had a dream and was determined to make a difference in the lives of the homeless, which she did, and is still doing, empowering others to do the same along the way.

As we make our candles tonight I want you to think of this little candle. It isn’t very big but if we were to turn off all the lights in this room, this candle would eventually provide me with enough light to see all of you. This little light can make a big difference. Now if I was to throw this lit candle into a forest of dried grass and wood, there’s a good chance this candle could start a huge forest fire. Once again making a huge difference but not for a good cause. We may think we are very ordinary and don’t have much to offer this world but we can make a big difference. My question to you tonight is “are you going to make a difference for good or for bad?” We all influence many people in our lives. Remember, the Christmas classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life”? The character realised that he had made a big difference to so many people over his lifetime when he had the opportunity to see what his life would have been like if he had not been in it.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that this world is getting darker and darker each year. Just turn on the evening news or pick up a newspaper and you can see so many stories of evil going on. The Bible says in Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” We are to be a light in this dark world. We are commanded to follow Jesus as He taught us in His Word and glorify God in all we do. We can make a difference.

Now WIN Television may never knock on your door and give you a big check or send you on your dream holiday but your efforts will not go unnoticed. Your rewards will be eternal. That is if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Please see me or one of the other ladies here if you would like to know more about making a decision to have Jesus Christ as a real, living part of your life. It’s the best decision I ever made.

I encourage you to take your candle home. As you enjoy its illumination and its beautiful aroma, think about how you can make a difference in someone else’s life. Is there a need out there that you have noticed lately? Maybe you are the one who can make a difference. Is there a talent or skill that you have that you could use to help someone else? Or maybe, you’re retired and have a lot of free time on your hands. Is there someone who could benefit from a little company or assistance? Maybe you’ve had a dream but thought you could never do it. Stay determined and start right where you are. You never know where a little determination and perseverance will take you. What random acts of kindness could you do this week? This month? This year? Start right at home and surprise your husband or family with something this week. Let your light shine!!! - Valerie Keefe