I set out this Summer, to do 100 new things. I've accomplished some, but in searching for things to do, I realized that all was vain. I'm not really accomplishing anything that feels significant. There's no meaningful purpose to doing those things, other than to pass my time; to keep me occupied. I'm reminded of a wise guy who said, "And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun." (Ecclesiasstes 2:11b).
I started to read another book entitled, Soul Cravings by Erwin McManus. I've read it before, but it stuck with me so much, I wanted to read it again; I remember it being powerful the first time, but I didn't remember any specifics. The most significant sentence or two that refreshed my memory are as follows: "We were created to believe in progress and to pursue it with passion. It is God who designed us this way." and also, "The future doesn't happen by accident; it happens through engagement."
I've been in a place in my life where I feel that I'm searching for purpose. I've struggled nearly all of my life not only emotionally through familial issues, but financially, and socially as well. I got to thinking though, about what could be holding me back? What is keeping me from doing what I truly want to do?
What do I really, truly WANT to do????
A new question was plaguing me...but I know the answer, right? RIGHT?! I really enjoy people, and my job, but it's not what I've always dreamed of doing. It is a potential career in which, hopefully, I will be able to fulfill my lifelong dream..but what is it again? Ah, yeah. I think I remember now...
I spend a lot of time with international exchange students. I really enjoy communicating with people and getting to know people of all different cultures. I love to learn about them, and teach them things about my culture. Ultimately, though I hope to impact their lives in a positive way; but that goes for anyone, really. I hope that by knowing the people I know and being a part of their lives, that I not only bring out the best in them, but help them to see it and live it for themselves. Ultimately, I'd like to change the world--for the better. In any way that I can.
Impossible? For one person, yes. But you see, if, I can help change the heart of one person, then that one becomes two. In sort of a pay-it-forward fashion, it can infuse a domino effect and essentially, change the world. With all the destruction, war, hunger, poverty, disease and so forth in the world, we need a change more than ever.
Now I may ask, how do I start to change the world, even one person at a time?
Live like Jesus. Meet the needs of the poor and needy and go from there. Use what I have been given responsibly and touch the lives of those around me in any way I can. Be the light, let it shine on a hill, do not hide it, don't let Satan put it out.
I pray that all I do, will bring glory to God and Him alone.
Here I go...I'm off to change the world :)
