Just something I don't want to forget...

"I would like to help change the world... (but) from the comfort of my regular life."

This was a quote featured on one of my friend's Facebook pages. I had to think about it for a minute to decide how I felt about it. Conclusion? I'm kind of annoyed. The quote suggests that in order to change the world one must do grand things.

I've done some "grand" things in my life, but I don't consider any of them world-changing. Anyone who knows me well knows that for me, simple is better. I went on a mission trip to another continent, and I can honestly say that staying home would have been a more productive use of my time. I won't get into it, and I'm not saying mission trips are bad, but we often use resources and spend valuable time "evangelizing"/"helping"/"volunteering" for things that are less effective than staying home and putting the same energy into our own neighborhoods would be.

I have a fairly regular life. And I'm very happy with it. I have a wonderful husband and an equally wonderful son. For me, changing the world CAN be done right in my own backyard. I can change the world by raising my son well, and giving him the tools to be a thoughtful, loving, compassionate adult. I can be a friend and a listening ear. I can smile at strangers. I can love cute, old people. I can be kind to the environment. I can live my life with purpose and still keep things simple. That's the key for me. Our lives don't need to be extreme in order to be meaningful.