Just Shine On

Since 2006, I have kept a ‘Quote Book’ on and off. If I found a quote in a book, online, in a song, or when someone said something inspiring to me, I would write it down in my notebook. It began as a way for me to practice my cursive writing and memorize some Bible verses in 3rd grade. When I had to pack my belongings to protect them from the construction being done on our house, that notebook sat in a box until 2010, when I rediscovered it. Then, it became a leisurely notebook for me to write quotes in whenever I found one to ‘file away’. (Kind of like a low-tech Pinterest. 😉 ) 

A couple months ago, I was reading through my quote book, and giggling about the fact that the 2010 section was filled with Kennedy quotes. (That’s the year I became an expert on the Kennedy family, as well as a political and historical geek, LOL.) But then, in the 2011 section, I came upon a quote that puzzled me. Not so much because of the content, but more because of the author.

“Our fingerprints will never fade from the lives we touch.” -Robert Pattinson

At the time I wrote it, I don’t think I realized who Robert Pattinson was. Now that I know, his name only reminds me of one person:

Edward Cullen.

So, my initial reaction was, “Oh brother.” And I flipped to the next page. (Because if you haven’t figured it out already, I am not a fan of the ‘Twilight’ series. Never read it, never watched it. Probably never will.) But the quote stuck with me. Because it turns out, Edward Cullen (excuse me,) Robert Pattinson might be wiser than I knew. Because, we aren’t talking about literal fingerprints, but the impression we leave upon others.

It made me wonder about all those fingerprints I leave behind.

On my family (*cringe*-when you live with people, they are bound to see a whole other side to you!), my friends, the people at my parishes, acquaintances, and complete strangers. Does my behavior reflect God’s love that is present in my life? Does it make my light shine brighter? Or did my fingerprints incriminate me in their minds?

I’ll admit, I kind of freaked out when the full meaning of that quote hit me. Never fade? The truth is, I am not all smiles, sunshine, flowers, and pretty ponies. Just ask my family. (OK, actually, please don’t. Please. PLEASE.) I have bad days, and that sometimes affects others, whether I know it or not. I can be sarcastic, cold, and annoying. And even though I think I’m really nice to other people in general, what if… what if…I failed, leaving a bad fingerprint on someone’s heart or mind? One that will never fade?

I guess it’s something we need to be mindful of, like most other things in life.

But one thing I know for sure, is that I want ALL of my fingerprints to be great. Awesome even. And THAT is going to be a challenge! I may not always succeed, or be perfect at it. But I think just striving to always be mindful, despite my mood or daily frustrations, is bound to create improvements. Which, ultimately, would result in more hearts touched with His pure love, and that’s what I want to share. After all, good impressions can live for eternity.

~Alexis Grace