Want to Save the World?

As far back as I can remember my goal was to save the world. What else would you expect from a firstborn over-achiever?

In junior high, I dreamed of going into the depths of Africa as a medical missionary. What probably initiated that desire was a combination of watching Debbie Reynolds in the movie, The Singing Nun, and knowing my grandmother thought missionaries were the most wonderful people on earth.

In high school, after reading The Cross and the Switchblade – and everything else that Rev. David Wilkerson wrote - I decided my place was on inner city streets. I was convinced that once I had Bible college under my belt, I could rescue drug addicts, prostitutes, and run-a-ways from the horrible life they led. My parents – convinced that I would get myself killed – insisted that I attend a university and get a “real” degree.

I married three weeks after graduating from college. Three years later my first daughter was born, and I made the decision to stay home with my children. I was blessed to have a good friend in a neighbor, who was also a stay-at-home mom with girls. We focused on giving our daughters the best childhood they could have. I’ve never regretted that decision.

However, during those years, my friend and I talked about our deep need to make a difference “out there". We wanted to believe that once the kids were older, we’d be provided the opportunity.

But nothing glorious or romantic materialized. We didn’t join the Peace Corp, nor did we travel into the Amazon jungle to deliver needed medical supplies. Instead, she went back to school to become a social worker and I took an administrative job in order to pay bills.

Two weeks ago I left a position I held for nine years. Every time I got a whim to try something else, the door to the opportunity closed. I questioned God. Was this it? Was this all He wanted for me? What was I supposed to do with my life? There had to more!

Even though I didn’t like the job, I enjoyed my co-workers, and God used me to be their sounding board. I became the person they could trust to listen to their problems and rejoice with them when good things happened. And because I didn’t push my beliefs down anyone’s throat, there were many opportunities to have dialogue about my faith. I think God kept me there to be His small light and share of myself what I could.

I start a new job tomorrow with a different company. I’m excited about the positive changes this position will bring. I’m also wondering what purpose God has for me there, besides what I’m going to be paid for.

Outside of my job, I’m called to be a supportive wife and mom. I can be an encourager to my friends. I can share the gift of music to reach a person’s spirit. I can write blog pieces, articles, and books, believing they will touch someone’s heart.

Be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1 Corinthians 15:58

I’ve had to accept that I’m not going to save the world. But, I can do my part to make things better in my little corner of it.

You can too.

Dawn