The Butterfly Effect
You have been created in order
that you might make a difference. You have within you
the power to change the
world. –Andy Andrews
It began as a Buddhist
philosophy, the idea that something as insignificant as a butterfly’s flutter
could have an effect on things halfway around the world. Years of scientific
study and research have, indeed, proven the interconnectedness of all things. Like
a pebble dropped in a pond, our actions, no matter how small, have a “ripple
effect” in the world, often in unexpected ways. Imagine. . . .
It has been an
emotional, challenging week, as reality came crashing down (again). Innocents
died. The world grieves. Politicians posture. Fear lurks. Sometimes it has felt
as though darkness has truly won, as if we are alone in the universe. Where is God in the midst of such stuff?
I wonder, sometimes, if
God is asking the same question of us. Where are his faithful, believing followers? Why aren’t we doing
something?
Is it because you are
overwhelmed? Subtly believing that the pain and suffering in the world are just
too great for one person to change? You’re right; the suffering is huge. And we
cannot change the whole world.
But each one of us can
change our own corner of the world. Each one of us can strike a match, light a
candle, send a little light into our family, our neighborhood—our congregation.
How will you let your
little light shine this week?
Monday Gratitude begins close to home. Give thanks to
God for those in your life who are like family, whether blood relatives or
simply dear friends. Choose at least one, and tell them how you feel. 1 Chronicles 16:1-36
Tuesday Consider
sending a note of appreciation and thanks to someone you seldom see or speak
with. Give thanks. Exodus 14:13-14
Wednesday As you prepare for Thanksgiving, reach out to
someone who perhaps does not have anyone with whom to share a meal. Consider
inviting someone to join you, or make plans to assist at a dinner for those in
need, such as at St. Malachi. Matthew
25:31-40
Thursday If
you choose to shop today, make an
extra effort to be kind and generous with those whom you encounter. Thank the
public servants who cannot take a holiday. Ezra
3:10-13
Friday If you choose
to participate in Black Friday shopping, consider picking up an item for a
local mission. Give thanks for God’s generosity in your life. Psalm 119:89-96
Saturday Today is Small Business Saturday. If you choose to shop today, consider choosing
a local merchant. Your business is a big “thank you.” Proverbs 21:3
Sunday Today is the first Sunday in Advent. Spend some
time in quiet stillness and reflect on the waiting that lies ahead. Matthew 2:1-18
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can,
in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can,
to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. –attributed to John Wesley
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