When my boys were young we liked to do a lot of camping and fishing. We had one particularly favorite spot in central California that was called Dinkey Creek. Great memories were built there. While Jeremy, the oldest, would float in the water on an air mattress, Jason would sit on the bank and throw rocks in the water. It seemed that my job was to gather a pile for him and then I was to watch him throw them in one-by-one. He would call “Ready?” (Was I ready to watch him throw), and if I was, I would respond, “Ready!” He would toss in small rocks as well as big ones – at least as big as he could lift.
As he would throw the rocks I would observe the ripple effect. You have seen it. You throw a rock in – it may make a big splash – and then it sends out ripples that extend, sometimes, clear to the other side of the creek, river or lake. It is fun to do this.
While we may not be throwing rocks, actions that we take in our relationships create a similar ripple effect. If I am kind to my spouse, he or she may feel that kindness resulting in a positive response toward me and maybe even others. Similarly a negative action may have a converse response – and may be felt by people we never intended.
Think about what happens when someone files for divorce. The spouse feels the biggest “splash” but the waves that are created may pull the kids under as well. As the ripple continues others are affected – parents, siblings, next door neighbors, best friends, in-laws, church communities, even school classrooms.
I want to suggest today simply that you simply consider the ripple effect you are likely to have on many people by an interaction that you begin with your spouse. Then carefully choose your course of action so that you create a ripple that will enrich the lives of many. Today’s decisions can generate an unplanned effect for years to come. Choose wisely.