"Live a life worthy of the calling you have received"
This project started as a way to bless others but I cannot tell you the blessing it is for me. Dylan and I check the blog stats, donation pages and read the emails and responses I have gotten in the past 6 weeks. He is so excited! Watching my 7 year old's eyes get huge, along with that precious smile (with 2 front teeth missing!), is incredible. Don't tell me a kid needs a DSi and new XBox at Christmas to get stoked. This kid is stoked! And in 15 years, this will impact his heart and walk far greater than any toy (ok, off the soapbox now) ;-)
I almost did not start this project. The book lit a fire under me and I jotted down these ideas on the back of an envelope but I put that envelope to the side. Over the next few weeks, I would hear all the ways this would never work, ringing in my head. "This is too bold." "People won't respond." "You can't really cut Christmas back for your kids- they're too young." On and on...and I started to think, "I will just do something else". But I couldn't shake this. I am starting to ask myself one question when I face decisions: "Will I look back and say 'Wow! I am so glad I did that?' or will I say 'I really wish I would have...."? When I thought about not starting this project, I thought about that moment. And it would fit into that second statement...."Why didn't I just run with it? Even if it failed, why didn't I try? I really wish I would have...."
So here we are. Project started. Letters mailed. Blog begun. Donation site up. In 6 weeks, we are almost 1/5th of the way to our one year goal. I have received emails from complete strangers in Texas, Oklahoma, Birmingham, Panama City, North Carolina... People who have been inspired to start their own projects or donate to this one. In the past 2 days, the First Giving donation site has received $200 in donations and gifts!
That brings the project total to $660.00 right now. Considering it takes only $10.00 to give someone clean water for life, that's 66 people who will be saved. This is such a preventable death and something we can do in such a little way.
I look forward to the new friendships I am starting and the gathering over a central cause and call on all of our lives: In John, Chapter 21 the Lord is talking to Simon Peter and asked "Simon Peter, do you love me?" The bible says Simon Peter was hurt by this question, "Of course I love you!" To which the Lord responded, "Then feed my sheep." That's the call. To make His name known and to feed his sheep. In Matthew, the Lord says that whatever we do for the least of these, we are actually doing for Christ himself. It makes you start to look at the beggers, friendless, hungry, thirsty, jobless, widows, struggling families, hurting children and outcasts, a whole lot differently.
Finally, I want to share about the picture below. My prayer the past year or so, has been "Lord, let me see what You see." and "Bless me so that I can bless others". He is slowly peeling away the layers of selfishness that blind my sight to His world and the hurting people in it. I believe this picture is a testament that if we are faithful with the little, he will bless us with more. Not so that we can have more but so that we can give more! I am thankful for this anonymous letter and check beyond words! "This seed I've received, I will sow"
So be bold. Don't dismiss radical love and ideas. Run with them!
