Most of us look at the world...with all the tragedies, traumas, and conflicts, and we're a bit overwhelmed. Maybe if you are like me, some days the weight of knowledge of all the abounding sorrows is crushing and bewildering.
We're beset with story after story of tragedy and strife, and we either bristle with righteous anger, sigh with compassion fatigue, cry with broken hearts or turn away. Maybe, like me, and do all of the above at different times.
And we're left wondering why. And how can this all be fixed. And who is going to do it.
Because most of us don't have any real authority or power in this world's eyes. (And in my case, that's probably a good thing, or there would be a whole bunch of people living on desert isles.)
But we forget...we can change the world. Even simple, quiet, ordinary people like us. We can change the world for the better by caring and acting with compassion and love in our daily lives and in our own communities. Our small actions ripple forth, changing the lives of those around us...and then perhaps those lives will go on to change the lives of yet more people.
You all know hurting people. Whether it is the homeless man in the park, or the single mother who is struggling, the young couple who is stressed out, the senior citizen who wonders if anyone even cares anymore, or the over worked father who doesn't understand why the world is changing so fast. You know the angry or lonely teenager, the near burn-out pastor, the cop who is trying to save the world but is scared he won't make it home at night. You know the waitress who prays for good tips to make the rent, the soldier about to head back into theater of war and nightmares, or the frustrated cashier who keeps getting yelled at because there aren't enough checkers at the store.
You know these people. Maybe you are one of these people.
You can help change the lives of these people. By being polite and friendly. By taking someone a much needed meal. By listening, talking and acknowledging the value of another person's being. By watching the kids. By praying for them. By telling someone they're doing a good job and they are appreciated. By sitting with someone and letting them tell you stories from years ago. By being a friend.
Each time you reach out and try to help someone, in love and compassion, you change the world. You make the world a little better. You and I, we may not be able to stop countries from warring, or fanatics from killing, but we can soften and improve the lives of the people we know and come in contact with.
We're not called to fix everything. Only God can do that, and He will, in His time. But we are called to be a light unto the world; and it is time we all tried to shine a little brighter, for this world is ever darkening.
Be blessed, my friends, and may you choose to be a blessing unto someone else,
No comments:
Post a Comment