As I sit here by my side window, looking at an expanse of dirty snow and a cloudy sky, I can’t help but think about warmer days, enjoying a swim at the lake and skipping stones as a child. I never got very good at skipping stones. Most of the time, I’d throw and kerplunk! The stone immediately descended to the bottom of the lake never to be seen again. It’s easy to sit back and dream of the olden days when you’re old. I’m learning (even in my old age) that keeping my mind busy is as necessary as taking care of the physical self. That part of me has been quite inactive lately, so I better keep looking out my window to keep my mental state in good working order.

When I choose a subject for my blog, I sometimes have to dig down into the recesses of my brain. For some reason, the thought of skipping stones came to mind. As I recall, my expertise left a lot to be desired, but it was such fun watching others spin those rocks right across the surface of the water leaving a trail of ripples where the rock had been. As I usually like to research what I’m talking about, I did so this morning and found some interesting facts about this phenomenon. This has become a national pastime for some folks. In fact, there are contests that test the participants’ skills. The Guiness World Record tallies the results of these competitions. In 2013, Kurt Steiner broke the record by skipping a stone for 88 bounces.

There is naturally a lot of science behind this. Since it includes physics, I don’t have a clue as to the reason behind it. Some relate this anomaly to the force that allows a person to get up on water skis. I was never very good at that either. I do know that it’s best to use flat rocks. If you’re lucky you can make it happen on the first try, but most of those who are really serious about it, practice for hours to be good at it.

All of this led me to thinking about how this can be applied to our witnessing to others about the One who created us. He loves it when we talk to others about eternal life and sins forgiven. I wonder if Jesus ever skipped stones across the water. Anyway, when we work together our voices are eventually heard. Each tossing of that truth begins a ripple effect which spreads quickly. Just a thought, but how do you send out ripples when it comes to sharing the amazing truth of the Gospel? It doesn’t happen by watching the day pass by your window. We need to be active in our witnessing, especially in a world that is screaming for change.

“But God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17 ESV