Have you been missing out?
B and I made it out to Florida for her final high school career Debate competition. Through all the adventures we had while there — the competition, seeing real alligators in the Everglades, shell hunting on the beach, hanging out together — we took pictures and posted them on social media so family and friends back home could be kept up to date on what we were doing.
It caused a small problem back home because the littles saw what we were doing and got jealous of all the fun we were having WITHOUT them.
Have you done that? Looked at the life of other people and found yourself thinking “I wish I . . . “? I know I’ve fallen into the Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO). It is the fear that we were made to do something more, that we are missing out on life.
The reality is, we ARE!
Saint Teresa of Calcutta, a lady I have greatly admired most of my life, said, “Don’t try to do great things for God. Do small things with great love.” In the movie Evan Almighty, Evan Baxter is told he changed the world by building an ARK: Acts of Random Kindness. Open doors are “divine invitations to make our lives count, with God’s help, for the sake of others” John Ortberg says in Chapter 3.
I am learning that most of the time when I face an open door, it is not necessarily what I thought. I want doors to open to financial stability, to recognition, to “That One Great Thing” that is going to help me leave my mark on history. Reality is many of my doors have opened to building my character or pushing me in my walk of faith. Some of them even open my heart to love someone better.
Have you heard this song called Dream Small by Josh Wilson? Take a listen!
One small Act of Random Kindness each day . . . each hour . . . each minute . . . lead to the open doors that make life a grand adventure! You aren’t missing out if you are making the journey better or easier for someone else. “God’s primary will for me is the person I become and not the circumstances I inhabit.” Maybe that great thing you are going to do to leave your mark on the world is an act of kindness that will change the course of a life.
Intentionally build one small ARK each day, and leave me a comment about what happened! I’m looking forward to hearing your stories of great love.
You put so much heart into your words – I enjoy learning from you BECAUSE you speak/write from your heart! Thank you for that
I am unaware of any “Act of Random Kindness” I performed today – but I will do better tomorrow
Thank you for a fresh outlook and new goal
I think about this post because you & B had time – now she’s headed for an adventure on her own ….. Even if it doesn’t feel like it, you are both ready. Or not, here it comes 🙂
I remember dropping my daughter off at a college 3 hours away – I remember dropping my son off at your college 5 hours away. Those first few moments, hours, days, and weeks were painted with loneliness, worry, hope, fear, excitement, and even a little jealousy. We all survived for awhile then accepted then rejoiced and enjoyed
You were, have been, are, and will always be a great Mom, faithful fan, terrific encourager, and a wonderful friend.
Roles are changing and life is offering a broader view with some fearful & amazing growth. What a tremendous advancement opportunity for all of you!
Well wishes – Sincere Prayers – and Love
******
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Mark Twain