Not me. . . I need brains. Not me. . . I need millions. Not me . . . I need love.
One of the best DVDs of the Holiday is one you may as well purchase rather than rent. I had been waiting for this one to hit theaters and then anxious for its release on DVD. Two kids loose their mum (I mean Mom). Millions of dollars land in their playhouse one day. This is a powerful fairy tale that makes us believe that we can change the world . . . by giving . . . of ourselves.
You can change the world. Movies Like "Millions" and "Pay it Forward" put world change within reach. They alter our belief, our assumption of insignificance. Too often we believe that changing the world means that we must change everyone in the world or change the entire world to our perspective, dogma or worldview. However, within the Kingdom of God the earth is ripe for change.
Last week a frequent visitor to the "Lost & Found" blog emailed me. He informed me that my mass email made a difference. I had asked people to "give birth to Jesus" by being a presence of peace to others. I used the example of a frustrated parent of a teenager sharing exasperation with a fellow parent.
In the email I tried to communicate that you are a simple expression and an example of peace. No sermon is required. Remember our future is assured. We have certainty that God will bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Jesus (Paul's letter to Ephesus 1:9-10). . . God is patient. Let's be patient in our waiting for the coming of Jesus. Be patient with our struggles. Try to live today so that Jesus will find you at peace (Peter's Second Letter 3:14).
Oddly enough, he happened to be sitting on a plane reading my email after talking with a woman struggling with her teenager. The previous night this woman caught her 16 year old daughter climbing out of the window. The daughter was attempting to run away. She felt unloved. This mother-daughter talk had not gone well. He turned his computer screen to the mother and let her read. She wept. He writes, "Sometimes it feels great just to be a vessel! Thanks for letting me share God's love."
You can change the world. Show peace. Be an expression of the peace of God. No one may notice. No one may care. No one may send you an award. HOWEVER, you have changed the world . . . because you have changed you.
2 comments:
Brady,
When I decided to become a social worker years ago I wanted to make a difference. Some of the students I went to school with wanted to lobby legislatures and change policy. I just wanted to make a difference in my little corner of the world. I think I do that daily. Sunday I helped lift the burden of a daughter who is caring for 2 elderly parents. Yesterday I talked with the family of a 6 day old baby who is not expected to live long. I comforted a coworker who lost a daughter this year. These are ways I want Jesus to live through me. I pray He will continue to use me to bless others. It is Him, not me, who works.
Exactly! One person you help means generations are changed. Thank you for sharing your story. You are a world changer in every moment. May you be blessed with strength and endurance. And may you continue in a spirit that gives credit to the One who is Holy in action.
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