Ordinary People
One of our ‘littles’ has found a new passion – studying biographies of people who ‘changed the world’. His mom took the boys to Springfield to study more on Abraham Lincoln who is in the series of books by Brad Meltzer. As I thought about his interest, I began to think on how we each have a journey.
As ‘Ordinary People’, we can change our world. I think how the boys’ dad chose to come to America during a horrendous period of Bosnian history. His world was changed when he joined our crazy family, and that’s a fact! I would post a funny picture of us years ago playing dart gun hide and seek, but all my kids would kill me if I did! That would change my world for sure!
My family’s journey to America then on to Texas was not well documented, but the choices of those ancestors determined the trajectory of future generations. My parents’ move to Illinois changed our world in many ways. As we have traversed many years of experiences and places, our paths have crossed the lives of thousands of people.
Though insignificant by the standards set forth in Mr. Meltzer’s books, how has my life influenced others? What have I done or what do I do on a consistent basis to make the world – my world – a better place? Is my life’s purpose being played out in practical ways to influence others for the better?
Since I still haven’t gotten the memo about exactly what my purpose is, I’m still thinkin’ on that one. But here’s something to think about.
Matthew 5:14-16 tells what Jesus thinks of every believer’s purpose to change the world for the better. The Message version puts it pretty well. ‘Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do. you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.’
The New King James Version ends the section this way – ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.’
Think about these things with me. Change your world.
Blessings
Kara Beth
