Make a Wave

It happened last night. Our family had just finished our Pepper-jack Cheesy Nachos, and the kids were watching a show in the next room...a Disney channel show. I heard a catchy song playing and just as it was coming to the last chorus, I heard this phrase:

Just a pebble in the water, can set the sea in motion....

It stopped and said to Ashley, "I love those words!" She went on to tell me who was singing (Demi Lovato and Joe Jonas), and more about the song. The song was written in response to the clean-up efforts on the gulf coast, and the video shows Disney kids working to clean up the beach, while animals jump in and out of the surf.

I love that kids are being encouraged to make a difference, in their world...on any level.

MAKE A WAVE

They say the beat of a butterflies wings,

Can set off a storm a world away

What if they're right and the smallest of things

Can power the strongest hurricane?

What if it all begins inside?

We hold the key that turns the tide

[Chorus:]

Just a pebble in the water

Can set the sea in motion

A simple act of kindness

Can stir the widest ocean

If we show a little love

Heaven knows what we could change

So throw a pebble in the water

And make a wave, make a wave

Make a wave, make a wave

The single joys that you take and send

And reach out your hand to someone in need

Don't fool yourself and say you can't

You never know what can grow from just one seed

So come with me and seize the day

This world may never be the same

How often have I felt like my little contribution to this world, wasn't enough to matter? Often in God's Word, we are encouraged to give what we have, and let God take our gifts, to multiply and distribute as He wisely chooses. But I frequently struggle with faith here.

Last week, when we met Melissa, the homeless, pregnant girl in Oregon, I left her feeling like what we did, probably wasn't going to change anything for her. I prayed that it would, but felt like it was just a drop in the bucket.

I doubt I am alone--when I have a chance to be part of changing something big, we tend to think that we don't have enough to make a difference.

But it really is! Especially if it is done from a heart of kindness, love, joy...

As Christians, we have the fruit of the Spirit in us, empowering us to make a difference in our world...one pebble or person at a time.

It might be that kind word; that $5.00 bill. It might be that compassionate touch, or a warm friendly smile. It might be that 2 hours that we spend helping out with a community project, or the bag of clothes that we donate to The Closet.

It might just be that big hug we give our child, or the time we take to play their game. Maybe it's spending some time in the world of our teenagers, and making sure they feel like they matter to us. What about our spouses...there are so many ways we could show mercy and love.

Then there is the thought that while what we do may not necessarily change the world, it can change the world for that person.

When the old man began picking up starfish, one at a time, and throwing them back into the water, a passerby said, "Sir, you will never be able to save all the hundreds of starfish on this beach. Why bother?" He replied as he continued to gently toss one back, "But I can help this one, and this one, and this one......"

God knows our hearts. He sees our efforts-our contributions, and He promises to bless them.

I am challenged in my heart today. Maybe it's a renewal of a passion. To leave each person's life better for my having been in it...one pebble at a time. No telling what that little stone could stir up!