I do not live in the White House. I do not live in Washington D.C. I have no allegiance to any political party. I do not spend much of my time “watching” the news. Some might say that I have buried my head in the sand, but I am not living life vicariously. My life is actually happening in real-time, in my own skin. I empathize with those caught in the grind; I hope for a good outcome in situations beyond my control; I pray for a better future for my children and grandchildren. But I know that my actions will have very little impact on the big picture of what is happening in our world.
On the other hand…I can have a huge impact on “my” world. I happen to live in my own bubble; observing life through my own eyes; making contributions to my community; loving on the friends, neighbors, and family that surround me. This is more than virtual reality—this is “my” reality. This is where I live, and this is where I am trying to make a difference. As a young man, I was fairly idealistic; and I spent a lot of time and effort jousting with windmills. If I was to be truthful and transparent about my attempts of heroic feats, there was a good deal of vanity involved. Perhaps with the wisdom that comes with age, I have grasped a new appreciation of putting effort into the people and causes that “live” in my world. I strive to be a better husband to my wife. I strive to be a better parent to my children. I strive to be a better grandparent to my grandchildren. I strive to be a better friend to my friends. I strive to live by the Christ code of being a good Samaritan. In this place, where I live life in real-time, this is the place where I can be a force for all that is good. While people have arguments over which political party has the moral high ground; I use my time living life on the real ground doing my best to be an ambassador for Christ. Please know that I have opinions concerning Black Lives Matter, White Privilege, Global Warming, the handling of COVID-19, Foreign Affairs, Free Speech, Social Justice, etc. It is overwhelming and there is a lot of work that needs to be done. But before I strap on my armor and charge another windmill, I think that I simply need to represent Christ in my tiny corner of the world. This is where I live; this is where I make a difference; this is where I can let my little light shine; this is where I can speak the truth with a ton of love; this is my mission field. Before you start a quest of changing the world, you should consider giving Christ the opportunity to change you—then, and only then, will you be ready to make a difference in “your” corner of the world. Before you lash me with the criticism of not speaking to the issues happening on the big stage of American Culture, please know that change does not occur through more unwanted rhetoric; change happens when people change, and people change through the influence and love of the people who happen to live in “their” world. So, in the words of Christ, be the salt, be the light, where you live.
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AuthorsWriting and Musing from former students and graduates of Northwest University. Archives
February 2024
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