Leaving home and heading off to college, I remember confidently declaring, "I'm going to change the world."
Thinking about that young lady now, part of me longs for her brazen ferocity but part of me simply wants to roll my eyes. All the critical voices rage in my head saying, "Who do you think you are? You didn't even do well in geometry."
Changing the world sounds pretty lofty. I know the Bible says all things are possible with God. But what if you are like me -- an ordinary person with ordinary abilities, can you still make a difference in the world?
How do you change the world for God when you are deeply average?
Here are some words that encouraged me to think differently. Bob Goff, one of my favorite authors said, "Every day God invites us on the same kind of adventure...."
"It's not a trip where he sends us on a rigid itinerary, He simply invites us. God asks what it is He's made us to love, what it is that captures our attention, what feeds that deep indescribable need of our souls to experience the richness of the world He made. And then leaning over us, He whispers, 'Let's go do that together.'" -- Bob Goff
I think God loves ordinary. I think when we show up with our ordinary lives, we acknowledge that we don't have it all figured out. We understand our lack of abilities, resources, and skills. Yet our hands are open and we are ready to walk where He wants us to, no matter if it's humble or extravagant.
I used to think my calling had to be big and bold. I used to think that there was only one specific way God wanted to use my gifts and skills. I simply needed to pray for the divine, burning bush moment to know what it was. But I think God wants to use all of our moments, all of our gifts, all of the time.
Now I see my calling everywhere. Working out in the gym is the chance to listen, encourage, and be present to others. Talking to neighbors is my opportunity to find ways to care for them and hear their journey. Emails, texts, and phone calls are my chance to spread the light of gratitude and blessings. Wherever my feet fall and wherever my day takes me, I have the chance to give others the gift of being seen and known. I can do all of this because I have experienced the love of Christ firsthand. Because He first loved me, I can pour out every chance I get, anywhere I go.
Are you ordinary too? Let's go!
There are plenty of days when I don't feel up to the task of being a light. In fact, many days I feel pretty dim on the inside. But I find when I can share the love of Christ in some small way, it inspires me to do it again. And again. These small acts of care and encouragement may seem small. But I think God likes unlikely and insignificant stuff. When I bring my ordinary average self, He gets to show off in ways only He can.
The next time you feel average, embrace it. Take your ordinariness and let it be your offering. Let your quiet act of rebellion be sharing the love of Christ in only the places you can. In this way, together, we will absolutely change the world for God.
PS I love Bob Goff! -- If you liked the quote above, you should check out his books. They are as hilarious as they are inspiring. You will laugh and want to pursue more of the best of life. Here are a few of my favorites below:
The minute I saw the title I knew my answer is, YES! Ordinary is my superpower! As I read on, I relate to your journey and find myself in need of frequent reminders this is God's work. Ordinary, present, smiling, listening...always.