You are Making a Difference in Ways You Do Not See
Do you ever wonder if you’re making a difference?
If your life really matters?
Somedays it feels like you’re just going through the motions . . . doing the same things again and again.
But what if…
You really were born for “such a time as this.”
Last month, I wrote that I believe we all share the same purpose. That “love” is our why!
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength, and love your neighbor as you love yourself. Mark 12:30–31
Created by God because of His love and created for God to love Him and love others.
It’s our why . . . to love.
But each of us has a unique why as well.
A God-given purpose to be used for Him in this time and place.
And that plan, that purpose, is as unique as our fingerprints.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
Good to know. Right?!
But some days this plan feels so mundane. Each day filled with repetitive tasks that don’t feel very purposeful.
You know you feel it when the laundry is piled high, and the bathroom needs help, and you have no idea what you’re going to cook for dinner, and the older kids are fighting in the other room while your toddler is crying and clinging to your leg.
Yeah, then.
Stop and remember…
Nothing you do in love is ever wasted! Nothing!
Living out the life in front of you with love is your God-give purpose for today.
Because…
You are Making a Difference in Ways You Do Not See!
Much of what you do seems like it goes unnoticed and underappreciated.
But more often than you realize . . . those little things you’re doing are making a big difference.
A Surprise Letter from Kenya
The other day, Rev and I received a letter from World Vision, written for our sponsored child, Gilbert, in Kenya.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Wolf,
Gilbert is very happy for the gift you sent to him and the family. They purchased a goat, clothes, mattress and blankets. Gilbert is very happy for the goat because he will take good care of it. Gilbert has named it WOLF for your name. He is in the fourth grade and promises to work extra hard. God bless you.
There’s a goat named WOLF in Kenya!
That just makes me smile!
A small gift, given in love, will provide milk, cheese, and teach a boy important lessons about care and responsibility.
We’ve given other gifts and for whatever reason, we haven’t heard how they’ve been used. That’s okay! Because anything we do in love always makes a difference. If not for the recipient . . . for us.
Maybe we make this thing called “purpose” too complicated.
Maybe we’re just supposed to get out there and live with big love?
We do what we have to do today . . . like clean, wipe noses, cook, chauffeur, listen, teach, help, smile, hug, and anything else that falls on that long list of to-dos. Then climb into bed at the end of the day satisfied and grateful even though we know we have to get up and do it all again tomorrow.
Remembering on those days when it feels like every task is unimportant and unappreciated, you charge on with big love . . . because the truth is whether we see it or not we ARE making a difference.
Impacting lives in ways we’ll never know. By a…
- A positive word shared.
- A smile offered.
- A student taught.
- A coworker helped.
- A friend encouraged.
- A gift given.
- LOVE OFFERED
Making a difference in ways perfectly planned for us by God, the One who has given each of us a uniquely personal purpose for “such a time as this.”
OH! This post is coming before my eyes at such a good time! Yesterday, I came to the end of the day, surveyed the wreckage, and thought, “What did I accomplish?” I’m thankful for the gentle voice of the Spirit who reminded me that I had spent a few hours with my grandboy and a few minutes in study — and now for your voice reminding me that I’m really not in charge of measuring my impact on the world.
This was such a needed word this morning! Thank you for being such an encouragement! Have a wonderful weekend!
Aw Deb- this made my day! Thanks for the love!
This was encouraging as I throw in yet another load of laundry. My humanness wants the big differences to be showcased, but it’s the consistent, small ways to love that make the most lasting impressions.
What a heat-warming story about Gilbert and WOLF 🙂
God’s blessings to you Deb and have a great weekend!
Living out each day with great love makes even the most menial tasks take on incredible meaning for our lives. Yes! We were made for such a time.
Blessings, Deb!
I love this, Deb! “Nothing you do in love is ever wasted!” A beautiful nugget of truth.
There’s a goat named WOLF in Kenya. Is there anything better than that??? Nothing like hearing from your sponsor kids.
Praying God increases the reach of your ministry and life.
Be Blessed & Refreshed,
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
Deb, I just saw your prayer page. I never noticed it before. What a great ministry. I’ve felt God urge me to pray for each blogger I link up with so know I’m praying for you each time I post on your page.
May you be blessed for being a blessing!
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
Deb – I laughed too when I read the letter that there was a goat named WOLF! Hahaha what an honor and a statement for sure. I loved your post and I love you encouragement that we each have been called for a purpose to make a difference. Thank you for always have a great linkup and awesome content. I just started my own linkup on Thursday’s called #TuneInThusday … I would be honored if you would consider linking up with me and event promote your Friday linkup. Party Stays open until Sunday. Blessings…. I linked up the actual post today, but if you need me to email you the actual linkup let me know. have an awesome weekend.
hey Deb – thanks for linking up to #TuneInThursday this week. I look forward to seeing you this next week too.
Deb,
This… ” nothing you do in love is ever wasted!” Oh my goodness. I needed this. So many times all I see are the looming missiles and the pot-hole craters their crash has left in my path. And when life makes us weary, it makes it hard to feel like we are missing the mark.
This reminds me of love covers a multitude of sins… love it.
Blessings!!
Dawn
Wonderful reminder Deb! The little things are what adds up for sure! Thanks for hosting!
So glad for what you did for Gilbert. If we just look around, there’s always someone we can bless in some way. Thanks for sharing.
I have to say this is very encouraging. You just never know. Great reminder!
Deb, I couldn’t agree with your more about our purpose. We need to live out our purpose every single day in everything we do.
I love that you have a goat out there named after you.
I know it is not necessary to know exactly how we impact others that we need to trust God that what we do will have an impact.
But isn’t it nice when you get a glimpse of it? I got a few today, and it warmed my heart. I especially love it when someone says, I pointed them to God.
Great post.
Maree
This is such an encouragement. Some days things can feel so routine. You wonder if your words are really connecting, if your giving is being used wisely, if anyone really cares what you do … but we just need to be faithful, don’t we?! Thanks for this sweet reminder!
Deb, I find myself asking “am I making a difference”? Some days I wonder, yet at the same time I remember how I felt when a dear brother in the Lord asked that question. Tears sprang to my eyes, as I told him that he had (and continues to make) made a huge difference in my life. So perhaps, I am doing more good than I think. Just may be I’m really here “for such a time as this”?
Blessings!
Deb, This is so very encouraging! I’m calling all Moms and sharing it from twitter. It is so hard to remember that even in the daily grind, what we are doing matters. Thank you!
A goat named Wolf in Kenya!!! LOLOL That is just too funny!! God sure does have a good sense of humor! 🙂