Ripples of Influence: What Does Your Presence Leave Behind?

My sponsor said, “Put your hand in a bucket of water, then take it out. The hole you leave behind is the measure of your importance.”

A perfect analogy. Despite what I think, I am not that important. Even if I have a position of considerable influence and carry significant responsibilities, I am still unimportant, which becomes apparent when I leave. Like the hand removed from the water, the world closes in behind me. Someone else fills the position, and though I may be missed briefly, the hole is filled.

The hand-in-the-water in the bucket analogy reveals another truth. When I withdraw my hand, I leave no hole, but if my hand is dirty, I taint the water. After I pull my hand away, the bucket of water will be soiled. I don’t leave a hole, but I can leave a mess.

Pondering analogies can be good; great truths are demonstrated on their face, and others are revealed when I pause and ponder.

Using this analogy, I see that I am not important, but after pondering, I see that I can leave a mess.