Spiritual Journey Thursday - Difference Maker

     I look forward to Thursdays when I can publish thoughts on my spiritual journey and hear the thoughts of others on a weekly theme topic.  It has become a space for an encouraging and fortifying community to come together.  We welcome anyone who would like to join us!

 

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. -Ephesians 2:8-10

 

I chose the topic this week, be a difference maker, because #ReadWalkWater, an event we started at my school last year, was coming up again last Friday.  This event, one we hope to continue as an annual tradition, was inspired because of the Linda Sue Park book, A Long Walk to Water.  You can read all about the initial plan here, and last year's results here. Our school's 6th graders have been thinking, writing, and reading about social injustices and social responsibility, and the walk resulted in the kids reflecting about how they can make a difference in the world.  They were inspired.

 

 

Our school counselor arranged for Matthew 25 Ministries to pick up the gallon jugs of water the kids bought and carried!

 

The week approaching the walk, however, was a stressful one.  There were a lot of details to check off the list, lots of communication that needed to take place with those involved, and many things to arrange.  At one point I actually wondered why I got involved in the whole thing!  Not only was I helping to plan the walk, but I had mountains of papers to grade, lesson plans to write, and things to take care of around the house. Then I read this interview about the NeedtoBreathe song, "Difference Maker." (I know I seem to use their music a lot in these posts!)  The song is actually a complicated one - I was glad to hear them explain it.

 

Whew.  I needed to let go and follow His lead.  I needed to remember that making a difference was for God, and I didn't have to make it perfect.  It's not about us, it's not about our school, it's not about our staff - it's not even about our students.  It's about God's gift.  It's about surrendering to His plan for us and the world.  If there was a difference that was going to be made, He was going to do it through us.  I could relax.  I could let Him work.  As it turns out, the walk was great. Funds are coming in, and we're excited about the potential well that our school could help build.  We hope to make a difference in the lives of people who won't need to walk miles for water every day.  They can go to school, have access to health care, and drink clean water.  There were many people who helped in our school and community to make this good work happen, but none of it could have happened without Him.

 

"You start making a difference at the minute you realize you are not capable of making it by yourself." - Bear, NeedtoBreathe

 

You may recognize "Difference Maker" from THE GIVER...