"If you think you are too small to make a difference, spend a night in a closed room with a mosquito." - African saying
Often times when we explore a particular issue in the world, like homelessness, we feel powerless to make any kind of significant change. I can feel empathy and compassion, but how can I make a difference? I'm only one person. One of the many great gifts I receive in working with children is learning from them. Because they do not have well-honed filters or been jaded by life's disappointments, nothing seems impossible! They march into life with fierce determination and abundant hope. And because of this, if we choose to listen to their small voices and watch their small bodies in action, we can be inspired to do great things.
I was witness to this on Sunday morning when one of my church moms walked up the front steps to the church with a big box loaded with bounty for our Socks of Love project for the homeless. Two of our young people, Sadie and Kaycee, took it upon themselves to make flyers for their school to collect for this cause. They even went to the principal and requested to make an announcement over the loudspeaker, which they did. The result was a big success and made it possible for us to more than double our goal of sock care packages. Imagine if each of us approached an issue with such gusto and confidence? One of them said to me on Sunday, "you know those flyers that say room for rent with the phone numbers on the bottom? Why can't there be some that say room for free for the homeless?" I love that. Now, we know it's a little more complicated, but does it always have to be? Jesus said, "let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to those such as these." He knew the power of their wisdom and pure hearts. Mini, but mighty, if given the chance, they can move mountains.
Often times when we explore a particular issue in the world, like homelessness, we feel powerless to make any kind of significant change. I can feel empathy and compassion, but how can I make a difference? I'm only one person. One of the many great gifts I receive in working with children is learning from them. Because they do not have well-honed filters or been jaded by life's disappointments, nothing seems impossible! They march into life with fierce determination and abundant hope. And because of this, if we choose to listen to their small voices and watch their small bodies in action, we can be inspired to do great things.
I was witness to this on Sunday morning when one of my church moms walked up the front steps to the church with a big box loaded with bounty for our Socks of Love project for the homeless. Two of our young people, Sadie and Kaycee, took it upon themselves to make flyers for their school to collect for this cause. They even went to the principal and requested to make an announcement over the loudspeaker, which they did. The result was a big success and made it possible for us to more than double our goal of sock care packages. Imagine if each of us approached an issue with such gusto and confidence? One of them said to me on Sunday, "you know those flyers that say room for rent with the phone numbers on the bottom? Why can't there be some that say room for free for the homeless?" I love that. Now, we know it's a little more complicated, but does it always have to be? Jesus said, "let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to those such as these." He knew the power of their wisdom and pure hearts. Mini, but mighty, if given the chance, they can move mountains.
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