How many people do you know? How many friends do you have on Facebook?  How many meaningful relationships do you have?

I would guess that the first two numbers are pretty high. Most of us know several hundred people including those with whom we grew up, attend church, and work.

At last check, I had over 230 friends on Facebook (I know that’s not too many compared to some) but the number of meaningful relationships I have doesn’t come close to that figure, and it’s probably the same with you. Why?

Is it because of the fractured lives we lead? Are we so busy, so spread out, and going in so many different directions we don’t have the time for meaningful relationships? I believe we try to convince ourselves this is true.

How are close personal relationships developed? Do we set out to form a bond with someone, or does it grow over time because of the seeds of love we plant? The closest friends I have are people who have rejoiced with me and wept with me. These are people who have touched my life and changed me because of their influence.

This makes me think of the song “For Good,” from the musical Wicked. There is a line in the song that says, “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.” Every time I hear this song I think about the people I know and wonder if they would say the same about me. I’m not sure they would. How about you? Do you leave a positive, lasting impression on the people in your life?

The society in which we exist makes this a challenge. The small town has pretty much disappeared from the American landscape. A tight-knit community of friends is rare today. Is society to be blamed for this or is it those of us who exist in this society who are to blame?

Being a positive influence for change sounds like something that requires tremendous effort. It sounds like too much work. It’s not! Here are 3 simple things you can do to transform someone’s life and inspire them to do the same for others.

1. Listen. Take the time to stop and talk with people. Move beyond the curt, “How are you?” Ask questions and find out how they are really doing. Listen with compassion to their problems and show them you care.
2. Serve. Service is simply doing for others. This can be holding a door, fixing a meal, providing a ride, or assisting financially. Blessing others through our actions can be small or large. Like giving gifts, it’s not the gift but the thought that counts. You will impact lives with your efforts.
3. Lead. We suffer a great dearth of leaders in our lives. People who show us by their example and instruction how to accomplish great things. This may be in your family, on the job, or within your church. Wherever you come into contact with people, touch their lives through effective leadership.

The common trait in all of these actions is love. If our lives are about love, then we can’t do anything but change the lives of people, for good!