A Life That Matters

There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.
Nelson Mandela 

On this, a day where many are mourning the loss of an inspirational world-changer and leader, I've been reminded for the umpteenth time this week that living a life that matters is the something huge that many people want.

And it's something that I have struggled with and doubted this week.  Some days, you forget that the small every day things build into something big, and you think that you aren't making a worthwhile contribution to the world.  I had one of those days, and was quickly snapped out of it by some very specific reminders that kept bombarding me from all sides.

Number 1:  God loves me so much that He sent His only Son to die for me... yes, it was for all humanity, but He loves me so much, that if I was the only one to accept the amazing gift of salvation, it would have been worth it to Him.  And, if He loves me that much, He's gonna have an amazing plan in mind for my life.

Number 2:  God 'sees' me (if you've seen Avatar, you'll get this reference) - He wrote my DNA and imagined my identity out of nothingness.  He calls me by name and when I am chasing after Him, He aligns my hopes and dreams with His plans for me, so I don't have to stress that my hopes and dreams are empty and will not be filled - because if they are inspired by Him, He'll make it happen.

Number 3:  A life that matters by the world's standards is not what matters to me, when I think about it.  I'd be extremely happy to be a generic development worker - one among thousands - as long as it is God's dream for me, I am making the difference I should be.  Or to be a mom (a job often overlooked that I think is of the utmost importance as it shapes future generations) to kiddos that needed a family that I was able to provide.

Number 4:  God places amazing friends and family in my life to remind me of what matters and to call me out when I believe lies, and to remind me of my life's purpose, and to re-inspire me with words of wisdom.

Number 5:  This song:

So, I am here living in Malawi, on my way to great things... not because the world thinks so, but because my God is fantastic and personal and calls me to live my ordinary life in the extraordinary pursuit of Him - and a life spent worshipping God is one that matters.

Today was International Volunteer Day, and WUSC took us to an event at a local school... so of course we got our stereotypical 'international volunteer with local children' pictures!