Changing the World

I can't fall asleep tonight, might as well do a little blogging. (By the way, being too tired to sleep is really frustrating!) Anyway, I was looking at some pictures this week from the day my "nephew" was born. I wasn't around for that exciting day, but I've seen the pictures lots of times. For some reason it really struck me this time though, that this day marked a world changing event! What I mean is, not only did his arrival change life for mommy and daddy and other family members, but his presence in this world simply makes it a  better place. His cute grin and mop of curly hair never fail to make me smile, and he can keep me entertained for hours. My point is that I think I often underestimate the power of people to change the world just by being themselves. Each person has a unique contribution to make, and without it, the world just isn't the same.

My college roommate and I always used to talk about how we were going to change the world. We had it all planned out. While God still might let me run an orphanage some day, I think my perspective on world changing is shifting. There are great things to be done in the world for sure, but often the truly great things go unnoticed or under appreciated. Like the person who always makes sure to thank you and asks how you're doing, the friend who can brighten your day with random conversations, someone who freely shares with you, or the simple joy of a baby's laughter. It's the sharing of a meal, the laughter and tears, the making it through tough times, and just simply being there for one another. This is truly the stuff of world changers.

I've been home (meaning not working) for about a week and a half now and I've decided I really like it. It gives me the chance to do the things that really feed my soul, like spending time with people and contemplating life. While this isn't a permanent situation, I'm grateful God has given me this time. I've spent so much time trying to figure out where I can make a difference in the world, I think I've often neglected what was right in front of me. I want to learn how to be more engaged in people's lives, how to be a better friend and family member. I want to be who God has created me to be, and to learn to use the influence He has given me to better the lives of those around me. I still have to make decisions about my immediate future, but in the meantime I am content, and ever so grateful for the people God has placed in my life who have changed my world in so many positive ways. 

Connection

Connection. It’s something we were created to do. In fact, it might be THE thing we were created to do. Life is meaningless without a deep and vital connection to Jesus (see John 15, which uses the illustration of the branches needing to be connected to the vine to bear fruit). And I think most would agree that feeling disconnected to those around you is pretty rough. The problem is that connection often takes a lot of work. It can often be painful and requires vulnerability. (Daring Greatly by Brene Brown is a must read on this subject.)

I’m basically a fearful person. Lots of things scare me. One thing that particularly scares me is rejection, in any form. Putting myself out there and doing something that might bring about rejection is super hard. It might be something as simple as sending someone a text (What if I’m bothering them?) or writing a blog (what if people think my ideas are dumb?), or sharing with someone what I’m learning (what if they don’t care?). But all of these kinds of things can all be tools to bring about connection. I’m very slowly learning the value of vulnerability and the great rewards of connection. It’s what makes life truly worth living.

As I’m spending more time focusing on what I want to be important to me in life, I’m finding that connection is on the top of the list. I want to start analyzing the things I do every day, and try to make sure a high percentage of what I do is involved in connection. First and foremost with Jesus, and secondly with those around me, also with a purpose of helping them connect with Jesus too. I want to live out my conviction that connection is worth the risk of possible rejection or upsetting people.

I still have a lot to learn on this subject, and I would welcome any input or thoughts. I’m also learning that my favorite ways of connecting is to dialogue with people about subjects like this one :)

Thank you Jesus for initiating connection with us, and even giving Your life to preserve it. Help me strive to make it my first and most important task each day. And thank you for putting people in my life to help me learn and experience the beauty of true connection.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly....."

- Theodore Roosevelt

When evil seems to be winning

I took a little walk down memory lane recently, by way of a visit to a very special place. A place where I experienced greatest joy and deepest pain.  A place that has seen storm after storm, and yet still survives.  This is a place God ordained as a haven for hurting children to come and be safe. For about 4 years I lived there, grew to love it and the people, and God has forever etched it on my heart. This isn’t the first time I’ve gone back, but this trip was harder than the others. I went with the possibility in mind that this might be my last trip, the last time I saw the people and place I hold so dear. This is where I learned (really learned) that loving people is hard. It’s painful and exhausting and sometimes you have to fight for it. It requires sacrifice and persistence. But oh the joys and rewards of loving people! The blessings that come through love are simply indescribable. But we, in and of ourselves, have no love to give, it only comes from the Father. Accepting His love is the only way to be able to pass it on to others.

So, I walked down memory lane again, remembering the good and the bad. Hearing stories of triumph (my kids are doing great things, I’m so proud!) and stories of sickness, heartache, and sorrow. My heart feels heavy as I contemplate all the ways evil seems to be pulling ahead in the battle. I feel discouraged as I see no hope in sight, and frustrated because I want to do something to make a difference!  I pray for miracles: for money to feed the children, for healing for the sick, for protection from violence. I’m not sure why, but the battle for our souls seems more real to me there. The need for God is so obvious. I have to admit, I spent a lot of time worrying during my trip. What does the future hold? Where do I fit into the picture? How is God going to reveal His greatness and power and how can I be a part of His work? One of the passages God kept bringing to mind was this one:

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will provide what you need…Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him to do things in His own time. Don’t fret when wicked men prosper and succeed in their evil ways. Don’t give in to worry or anger, and don’t fret over things, because reactions of this kind only bring on more trouble” (Psalm 37:5,7,8 Clear Word).

So here’s the thing: my God is alive and well and working mightily to win the hearts of people He loves so dearly. His ways may not be obvious or match up to our expectations, but He WILL be victorious. Even when evil seems to be racking up the points, the reality is that they don’t stand a chance. He has promised to take care of me, and everyone who chooses to be known as His child. Jesus says, “how can I forget you? I have engraved your name on the palms of my hands. You are always in my thoughts. How can I forget you?” (Isaiah 49:16) He hasn’t forgotten, He is very near.

Thank you Jesus, for fighting for me, and for those I love, and overcoming. Thank you for a hopeful future and a perfect plan. I choose today to trust You and to rely on the firm promises from Your Word.