It is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, and my traditional Catholic upbringing has me feeling reflective, contemplative, and introspective. I listened to an episode of one of the podcasts I have in regular rotation, and this passage from "The Next Right Thing" slowed down my heart, welled up my eyes, and had me exhale in deep recognition of it's universal truth.
"In the meantime, let’s remember this together. The goal of our lives, isn’t to be the most productive humans we can possibly be. The goal, the aim, is union with God and connection with each other. Our hearts beat for the kingdom, to join God in the restoration and renewal of all things. Because we are not people who believe this world will disappear and be irrelevant. We are people who believe the good, creative, life-giving work we do everyday can actually make a difference. We’re not trying to change the world -- Jesus already did that. Instead, we are joining him with our unique place, gifting, and personalities to bring hope and healing into the quiet, broken, chaotic, small, beautiful corners of our everyday lives."
Take or leave the God stuff if it's not your bag (I certainly skim right over it), but the heart of this passage bears our shared human truth. Humans are made for connection. Brene Brown has the data points to back up that fact. And the small, daily acts of love, kindness, and consideration we perform make up our lives. In their accumulation, they make a difference. YOU make a difference. And that last sentence sums up so completely why you make a difference.
"...to bring hope and healing into the quiet, broken, chaotic, small, beautiful corners of our everyday lives."
That passage inspired me to forward it to a few of my friends that I knew would appreciate it. It also moved to me to send a word or two of encouragement and love to some people I knew needed to hear it. Those loved ones were of course women and mothers who are immersed in life-giving work every minute of the day -- in service to children of their own, to students, to significant others, to passions and causes that shape their lives. Women who give me so much hope and encouragement when I am feeling overwhelmed and broken.
Take a moment today and remember your gifts, your talents, your light. Then share it with a friend, a stranger, a human in need of some light. Because who you are, where you are, and what you have is enough to make a difference. No hustle required.
Posts
