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.