If there was a needle in a haystack, a cow might end up with a tongue piercing

How far would you go? What is it worth it to you?...

Today I was driving home and got stopped at a red light on a somewhat busy street. I always enjoy looking around at red lights and seeing who's dancing in their car, who is digging for gold, and what other little treasures I may find in my surroundings. Today, I was surprised to see a man who seemed to be in his mid-40s walking up the street to the new Cheddars that's opening soon and now hiring. He was wearing khakis and a white oxford that was so drenched on his back from the sweat that it showed through to his wife beater. I could only imagine what distance he had walked to get there, as there aren't houses for a good piece. Then I began to reflect on motivation. I tried to imagine this man's situation... Perhaps he had a family at home to provide for and couldn't find a job. He'd lost his car because he couldn't afford it unemployed, and so he had done all he could to get to the interview at Cheddar's by walking there on a day where the temperature reached 102 degrees. Maybe that was his story. Maybe it wasn't. It made me reflect on my motivation to do things in life--how far I would go to make certain things happen--and how ungrateful I am sometimes for things like my air conditioned vehicle.

Also today, I was talking to my grandmother about how I have so much stuff in my room that I am very challenged to keep it organized. Seeing as I still live under the parents' roof for free rents, they have been a little upset that I can't keep it pristine looking. So I was venting to my grandmother about where to put ALL the stuff I had. She didn't say anything. She didn't have to. I felt silly really because I was venting to a woman who survived the end of the Depression about having too much. Words did not come from her mouth, she had that ever caring grin, but her eyes spoke and cut deeply, "child, if you only knew how blessed you are." I complain about having to organize my 'too much.' All this after returning from a poverty stricken nation. Oh golly.

This seems like a series of confessions here, and perhaps it is, but follow me--there's a reason for all of this. When I was in middle school, my best friend shared with me her love for reading the Bible and how she didn't understand how people could go without reading it everyday. Something clicked when she said that, in fact I hadn't ever thought about reading it daily before even though I was raised in church. Since then, I've tried to read my Bible most every day. Of course I've had spells now and then where I didn't read it for a bit, but have always gone back to it. I'll admit that recently I've been in one of those spells where it's been less than everyday. No, I don't think people who don't read the Bible everyday go to Hell...etc, etc. Don't stretch what I'm saying--I just think that true love is proven by making something a priority (for example, when you love your wife, she gets more love, time, and attention than your buddies whom [you should]love less). So I think, if I love Christ, I should be willing to take time to spend with Him above my other activities. Reading the Bible is part of this 'taking time' and 'showing love' for me.

Someone spoke with me today about how they've fallen out of church a bit--something that was brought to their attention because of a bad day. So the bad day happened for a reason. What's interesting and that they may not have known at the time is that the venting that resulted from the bad day was a blessing to me. Perhaps the boost I needed to pick back up where I'd left off in blogging, in reading the Word, in being more grateful for what I have, and in realizing the potential to not be as blessed as I am (reflecting on the man I saw earlier). Imagine that, another domino effect of events that comes out to good. As bad things continue to happen around us, as we see the evil, injustice, unforgiveness, etc. that fills this world--and perhaps we're hurt, confused, and don't know where to turn--I hope that we can reflect on the fact that God always makes good come from the bad (whether we see it or not, whether in this life or in Heaven) and that we'll turn to the Healer of all wounds big and small, Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work to the good of those that are the called according to His purpose. You have a purpose. You have potential. With Christ, you can make it happen cap'n. So what are you waiting for? Ask yourself- if you knew how to get eternal bliss, perfect happiness, potential to bless others and feel fulfilled, forgiveness for all those things you regret, etc...how far would you go? What is it worth to you? Would you be sitting on the side of the road waiting for the opportunity to come to you (which probably isn't going to happen in the pity pond), or perhaps you'll soak your shirt with sweat and you'll make that happen. Be determined. And never forget--no man is an island. You are the bearer of many small 'stones' of life; as you skip them, they will ripple and impact other, make it a positive ripple..and see just how far you can reach to change more someones' lives for the good.

Thanks to that pick me up I needed today. Thanks to those of you who continue to strive. Never feel your work for good goes unwatched or unappreciated. Whether it's sneaking 10 yuan into a crippled Chinese alms cup (yes, I saw that) or hugging that 15 year old who just wants to commit suicide, you have the ability to make a difference wherever you are. So get to it.