Almost everyone I know wants to make a difference ... in their own lives, in the lives of those around them and beyond.
But how?
How can we make a difference when we are overwhelmed with life's problems, tripped up by challenges and some days, just happy to make it through?
I started thinking about some of the things I have personally done that have a made a difference in my life, and what others have done for me. Here in random order are some ways to make a difference right where you are today:
1. Invest in your own God-given talents, abilities and strengths. God’s calling on your own life is just as valid an investment as any mission venture you might give to. This might mean taking classes, purchasing a better computer, taking a trip or spending time developing a skill.
2. Finish what you start. This applies to everything, from putting away clean laundry to a big project.
3. Write thank you notes.
4. Ask someone else for their opinion. Wise counsel benefits you, and shows you value the other person.
5. Surprise someone with their favorite drink. (Starbucks Gingerbread Latte for me)
6. Remember birthdays and anniversaries – Remembering the difficult ones may mean even more to people.
7. Buy pizza for some teenagers just because.
8. Share God’s Word with people who are hurting.
9. Ask about people’s children.
10. Don’t offer your opinion right away in a conversation.
11. Be generous with encouragement and praise.
12. Keep your promises.
13. Admit when you are wrong.
14. Bring someone flowers from your garden in a tin can (recycle).
15. Pray about little things, and then tell someone when God answers.
That’s my list for today. I’d love to hear how someone has made a difference to you.
In His Love,
Glynnis
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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6 comments:
Glynnis,you're one special person who has made a difference in my life. We've never met or talked to each other but you have still taken time to give me words of encouragement and I thank you for that.
A couple of years ago, my husband and I were in a particularly stressful time and out running errands and the kids needed to eat so we decided to go into Elmer's (a breakfast joint like Ihop or Dennys), relax, and eat together. Money was tight so we were sharing meals and deciding how best to be frugal about it. At the end of our meal the waitress informed us that an older couple who had been sitting across the room from us had paid our tab. I will never ever forget that kindness and it is something my husband and I plan to make a regular practice of, picking up the Starbucks tab behind us, or the Taco Bell tab, or the young family's tab across the room. We ask the Lord who and trust that He will show us.
Glynnis, Thanks for the great devotion. Would you please pray for me? I'm an Arizonan! : ) I'm in the searching/praying process of what I need to do with my talents (other than raising my 3 beautiful small children & toddler). Thanks so much and thank you for what you do!
Sarah
Yuma, AZ
God knew I needed to hear that investing in my God-given talent of writing is a valid way to make a difference. Thank you that it was number one on your list of suggestions. Most of the time I define 'making a difference' as those physical acts such as baking a casserole or picking up children for a friend who is facing difficulties. However, when I think about how many times other women who have answered God's call to write have made a difference in my life, I know that He can use me in the same ways if I will do my part in developing this talent.
Oh I just love this devotional. I'd love to share something that the Lord planted on my heart years ago that I know made a difference. It seemed that every time I turned around I was baking or cooking for someone else at church. It might be for a sickness in a family, a funeral, or just because. One day one of my three daughters said, "Mama, you are always cooking these or baking all this good stuff for other people!". The Lord really used her words to pierce my heart that here I was being such a good servant to others, making sure they had the best of my chocolate chip cookies, or my sour cream pound cake or even my famous mac. & cheese dish....but yet, I never made any extra for my family! From that day on I decided that anything I make for another person I would always make a little extra for my family to enjoy. My daughters are grown and married now but they still benefit from Mom's cooking for others!
Boy, this comes at a good time. I have been questioning my life and my decisions alot lately. I've felt like giving it all up and discarding all my past efforts, start a new. But as you know, that doesn't get me anyway, teach me anything new. I love how others perspective can be so helpful. Thanks for sharing and helping me realize the small stuff is important.
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