Seeing Opportunities in the Little Things

It seems that lately, I've been stuck on thinking big at the expense of the smaller here and now.

Several of my friends are going or have gone on mission trips, they know what God is calling them to, and they are going out into the world to evangelize people for Christ. And while that is great, sometimes it just makes me feel inferior in some way. I mean, here are people traveling to foreign countries, teaching others about Jesus, and here I am, doing schoolwork, watching siblings, cleaning dishes, changing diapers . . . MUNDANE STUFF.

I have slipped into the mindset of regarding one set of activities as somehow "holier" than another.

However, God has been telling me lately that instead of trying to avoid these little things in life as I grasp for bigger, "holier" things, I should make the most of every opportunity (Eph. 5:16). He's telling me to live more in the present, rather than in some uncertain, imaginary future. He's showing me that I should view even the little things as having eternal value and as being opportunities for growth, and that in order to be entrusted with bigger things, I must show myself faithful in little things.

It's a rather large perspective shift, and it will not come to me easily I know. But I am confident that with God's help I can truly see every good activity as having real meaning and value, and that every day I live will be rich with new meaning! I'm excited!

~Mac

THE Vacation

Over this past weekend, I had the privilege of attending a CollegePlus! gathering in Ohio.

(For those of you who don't know, CP! is a Christian accelerated distance learning program that helps students earn their degrees faster and cheaper than traditional college. http://www.collegeplus.org/)

This was my second CP! get together event, and each one leaves me refreshed and encouraged. While I have had the privilege of interacting with many of these people online for some time, we had never actually met till this past week. It is such a blessing to get to know other students who share many of the same beliefs and outlooks on life, and to interact with them through activities, service projects and other events. I made some new friends, and really strengthened and deepened existing friendships. The trip was such a blessing for me, and for all of those who attended!

~Mac

Benefits to Living In a Large Family

While I was doing some of my chores today, I suddenly thought of how many ways being in a large family helps me. One way is that it's easier to stay in shape! Here are some examples (I may edit as I think of more):

~ Taking out the trash: This is my job, and let me tell you, carrying two giant full bags of garbage to the can, one in each hand, does wonders for your arm strength!

~ Carrying siblings around: Whether it's moving the babies and toddlers from room to room to playpen to changing table, or giving piggyback rides to older children, there's nothing like carrying around siblings for keeping those core and leg muscles toned!

~ Carrying in groceries: This is a great time for group exercise! All of us children form a relay team of sorts and carry all the groceries from the car to where they are needed. Carrying four gallons of milk, two in each hand, keeps your arms and legs in shape!

It really is wonderful how God has built an exercise routine into a typical day!

~Mac