life should be like the game Hide and Seek...minus the hide

"Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person."--Mother Teresa.The words and works of Mother Teresa are almost unanimously respected as those worthy of listening to, gleaning from, and aspiring toward. Perhaps it's because she did not live for herself, but for others--particularly those that had the greatest needs. What is interesting to reflect on is the fact that most of the people we make into heroes in our society are those that give of their all in order to help someone else--that is to say, they were selfless. Though many of us grow up aspiring to be heroes (like firefighters, policeman, etc.), when it comes down to the reality of letting go of our wants, 'needs,' hopes, dreams, etc., we often do not carry out such aspirations. Why is this? Why is it that the eyes of a child want to change the world, and so often as adults, we want to create, save, and protect OUR own little world? We often begin to seek stability, comfort, social standing, etc. rather than seeking change.

I had an interesting conversation with a friend tonight on this very topic. He hinted at the fact that many people see him as crazy or radical because he has come to the point in his life where he understands he has a responsibility to give back. ...and he's right that people will see this as a very foreign idea. But should it be? Should it be counter culture to NOT seek after everything you want, and instead help others get what they need? Or to serve those that cannot give anything in return?

These attempts to give back do not necessarily need to be huge endevors either. Although missions and travels abroad, etc. are certainly honorable and awesome, start with what means you have. As Mother Teresa said--start person to person making change. So often we can more easily accomplish a vision if we look at it in bite size portions--day to day, person to person versus 50 years down the road. Accomplish what you can, pray about what you can't, and hope for your 'can' to be expanded.

On my ride home tonight, I was noticing bumper stickers for a radio station on the back of a van from Ohio. Those drivers will almost certainly never know I saw their bumper sticker or what impact it may have had on me. This particular sticker did not have an impact on me, but made me realize how often we can influence people's lives without even knowing.

Life is opportunity given by God to think not of ourselves, but to endure this beastly trip most effectively by helping others, and in turn helping ourselves.

Right now, I look to God more than ever on what is to come in this upcoming year and beyond. The 'real world' awaits, and I can no longer expect someone else's dreams for me to cut it, but I must step up and seek His calling and purpose for me. What can I give back? How can I leave a lasting impression on generations to come? Who/how many lives can I change simply by deciding my wants are not the most important?

I leave you with a scripture I opened today while at Panera. Psalm 130:5-6, "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning." I wait on the Lord for His guidance, His answers, and His plans, and in the meantime I do His works I know to do. Help someone today. Don't let your culture hold you back.