Saturday, April 12, 2014

Making a Difference

Not long ago a close friend celebrated a milestone birthday. Reaching milestones often leaves us thinking and my friend commented on wanting to make a difference in the world in the time that remains. They asked how I thought best to do that and, I must admit, I wasn't quite sure how to answer. It's not that I don't have any ideas, it's just that I wasn't sure how to answer this particular individual.

I'm reading Max Lucado's "A Love Worth Giving" for the second time in less than a year. Deep inside I believe love is the answer to making a difference. “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12) It's what made the difference in my family when I was growing up. My parents loved us, they loved their friends and neighbors, and they loved our friends. Fifty years later the children who played with my brothers as little boys would recall how "special" my parents made them feel. One person after another at my dad's memorial service would tell me "Your dad always made me feel special." There were similar stories when it came to Mom.

Loving people isn't always easy, but love always comes on the very top of the list of things God calls us to. "Without love," He says, "we are nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2) and not only that, we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. 'For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”'  (Galatians 5:14) It's a tall order, but I still believe it's what makes the difference.

17 comments:

  1. Sometimes loving a person can be full of obstacles....
    They put up roadblocks to try and test you....
    Some people can be very difficult to love...
    Especially when they continually annoy and berate the people that you love....
    Life and love are struggles for sure....
    You are so lucky to have had such wonderful parents...
    I feel that I am tested daily....and...
    It is getting very tiring....running out of gas.....
    Sorry for the downer....life is testing me lately...
    And...I don't like it!
    Linda :o(

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    1. Yes. Love is hard and life is full of obstacles.
      Life is testing me too.
      Exhausting. No fun.
      You and I should get together soon.

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    2. Yes Martha...as soon as the Lake is clear of ice, we will meet at the bakery in Crystal Beach, right?
      How are you ever going to get away from all your kiddies?

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    3. Where there is a will, there is a way.
      :0)

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  2. I have thought quite a bit in the last year about what kind of legacy I will leave. Loving others more than ourselves is a great suggestion, although it's not always easy to know what is the best way to do that. I have decided to serve in Mercy Care...not even quite sure where God will put me yet or how He will use me, but I think I've always been good at caring for others, and I'm sure He will put me exactly where He wants me. Maybe I can spread His love that way.

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    1. I suppose the older we get, the more we think about it. I often feel as though I've fallen far short.

      Rachel, you have a brother whose life is changed because you have dedicated yourself to be there for him. He may never be able to tell you how grateful he is with words, but his eyes adore you, and the workers at his house are touched by your dedication too. You are already making a difference.

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    2. Thank you for saying that Martha. You brought tears to my eyes. I love him. I hope he knows that.

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    3. He has no doubt, Rachel.

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  3. You said it so well...Martha. There is testing and love is hard sometime..sometimes it seems impossible. But it is the Key...your parents proved it, and you are proving it. I love you tons.

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    1. Thank you for being a friend.
      I love you tons too.

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  4. ho, between u and t. I don't have to go to Bible study.
    you all are so good a bible quotes, verses it sets my
    quite thoughts for the day. thanks.

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    1. I love you, Judi.
      So glad to see you here again.
      Now where are T and Tracy?

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  5. We always remember the ones that loved us, don't we? Just like we remember the hurtful ones. I think you're on to something...love is the greatest commandment and God's love is the best example of all. A life full of little acts of love is a wonderful thing to have done!

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    1. Those who make us feel valued and respected leave the biggest impact on our hearts and lives. Those who are cruel also leave an impact. They make a difference, but usually in a negative way.

      I pray I am able to make a difference in the lives of those around me. Sometimes circumstances make it hard, sometimes my own attitude makes it hard, but loving others is something worth striving for.

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  6. I think about this a lot and don't think I'm doing much to make a difference in this world. Not sure how to.

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    1. I know for sure that you are making a difference in at least a life or two over at that little elementary school around the corner. If you were going to be there next year... Well, I would think about it anyways.

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  7. I wish I was going tone there next year. I really love that school.

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