The Power of Influence...

I was reading through portions of the books of Galatians and Acts in my bible this morning.  A section in Acts talked about Paul and Barnabas preaching to the Jews and Gentiles about Christ.  It's no secret that Paul and Barnabas were often targets of violence and persecution because of their outspoken beliefs.  Yet that abuse never stopped them from continuing on and faithfully teaching and preaching.  After speaking to a large group, Paul and Barnabas' words were spreading like wildfire.  Some Jews, of course, did not like this and began to plot against them.  While reading, I was pointed through my study to a verse to think more intently upon and study the context around it.  Here's where it get's interesting to me...

"But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region." -Acts 13:50

Who did the Jews motivate first to act against Paul and Barnabas?  Women.  And not just any women.  They were "God-fearing women of high standing...", women of influence.  Interesting.  I then read this statement in my study book...

For reasons we may never know, God entrusted womankind a most wonderful and terrible gift; the power of influence.

I've never thought about my influence being a gift from God.  In fact, if I really meditate on that, I would say that in thinking about influence, I would relate to it in a negative way - the terrible gift.  I think of people, including myself, to often use their influence to be manipulative or for personal gain.  It's not really a fair thought and I am somewhat embarresed and disappointed with myself that I immediately went that direction in my head with it.  But what if I used my gift of influence for positive and unselfish gain?  What would that look like?  My thoughts immediately went to my children and husband, and then ventured outward to the rest of my family, friends, and those I don't even know.  Suddenly I feel a weight on my shoulders that I am not doing what I could to influence others in a positive way.

What does the gift of influence look like in my home?  At a family gathering?  Out shopping at the grocery store? At church?  Wow.  God is pressing upon my heart to really think about this and take action.  At best, my influence should teach, encourage, nurture, love, and allow others to grow.  This is powerful and I am equipped and capable of doing all those things.  What a wonderful and unexpected gift. 

Summer of Service...

After I put the kids to bed on the last day of school, I got to thinking about what was ahead.  And I realized...nothing.  No camps scheduled, no family trips 'til the end of July, and then add to that a husband who has a very loaded travel schedule for most of the summer...hmmmm.  With a completely empty summer upon us I began sifting through all those camp booklets, started researching 3 day getaways, and wondered if it was too late to sign up for art classes.  But then I remembered as I was glancing over the cost of these adventures, that I don't schedule these things for a reason...for five children...it's EXPENSIVE! 

Feeling defeated and beginning to panic over the thought of being their sole entertainment for the next 9 weeks I began to brainstorm.  What are some things I have been wanting to do with them that we don't have time for during the school year?  What do I want my kids to learn this summer?  Should we just go lazy and spend it by the pool relaxing?  No, they should stay focused and learn something.  What if we had a theme?  What if we took road trips throughout the state seeing in real life some things they had learned about in school this year...study some history...or sit on the banks of the Mississippi River and search for birds and owls?  Oh my God, what am I going to do with them ALL. SUMMER. LONG??  Wait......GOD? 

And with that thought, the "Summer of Sevice" idea was born.  I decided that we will do at least one service project/volunteer opportunity every week for the duration of the summer to help them get into the habit of serving God by serving others.  I am really looking forward to getting the kids out of their comfort zones a bit and spending this time with them!  We have so much to learn from others and we have never done anything like this before as a family so intentionally.  We regularly jump into many projects through church and school, and have supported friends and families with their ideas as well.  But actually searching something out is somewhat new.  And with the kids all finally old enough to handle just about anything in some capacity or another our opportunities will be plenty!

Our Summer of Service unofficially began last week.  Our oldest daughter started us out with a service project of her own.  For her last week of school she served with a few other classmates at the downtown Minneapolis YWCA in the childcare center, helping out with the daily activities with the Kindergarten class.   

She had a great attitude and was excited from the get go to participate.  One of her biggest challenges throughout the week was handling multiple children at once trying to snag her attention in it's entirety.  Practicing patience was something she needed to learn instantaneously.  You can't just lash out in frustration with a strange child like you can in the comfort and safety of your own home with your siblings where there is unconditional love!  

She enjoyed her experience so much that she emailed the center back and asked if she could continue to serve throughout the summer and was very disappointed when they responded that their volunteer schedule was full and she would have to wait again until next year.  Such a bummer!!  A week later she is still talking about the children she worked with and how much she misses them!

I'm very proud of my daughter for her enthusiasm and maturity during this week.  Every evening when she came home we talked about her problem solving strategies and how she handled different situations throughout the day.  She also kept a journal, which was a requirement for her class, documenting her experience.  It was a great start to her summer and a great start for the family to hear about her experiences so we can also glean from them!  I am looking forward to getting the rest of the kids involved in serving this summer and seeing how we all work together, mature, grow, and become more aware of the world outside of our own.  It's going to be a very good thing!  And, guess what??  Serving God and others can be FREE!!

Simple Living...

I've had a strong desire to move my family into a life of simpler living. We have been blessed beyond what is needed. We relish in it, appreciate it, and are grateful for the luxuries we are able to have. But with those blessings have come some challenges. One of those challenges is practicing contentment.

I've learned that it doesn't matter how much money there is in the bank, or how many toys kids have, what kind of vacation is taken, how many pairs of shoes there are in the closet, or how big (or small) your house is. If the means is there (and even if it isn't) it never seems to be enough. We live in a world where more is always better. It's the whole concept fast food chains use to lure in customers...the "Super-Size Me" effect. We have learned, though, that a super sized meal is poison for our bodies. And as I think about that, I realize, too much of anything could be poison. Poison to our emotions, our contentment, our spirituality, our happiness.

Easter is a holiday we celebrate in my family, and for us, it has a spiritual component that represents Resurrection and new life. When discussing with our children how we plan to celebrate this year, or lack there of, we received some push back. Our plan was very simple. We would decorate the traditional Easter eggs, share a special meal and attend church on Saturday evening. The kids would still get their Easter baskets Sunday morning, before my husband and I leave to go out of town for a week. Sounds perfect right? A time for family, fun, and reflection. No new outfits…we have plenty in our closets that will work just fine. No dual, or even triple celebrations at multiple locations, with multiple Easter baskets full of candy we don’t need and trinkets that ultimately end up in the trash…it’s a waste of money and only contributes to the commercialism of our culture.

Every holiday, birthday, or special occasion we seem to have the same battle. I try to enforce my convictions, and another outside force wins. Whether it’s what someone else’s family does, culture and it’s idea of celebrating it’s own meaning of the holiday, another holiday party we’ve been asked to attend, commercials, whatever…this idea of more, more, more is very powerful. I give in too easily. And now, with somewhat hurt feelings that my simple holiday celebration isn’t enough, I’ve decided enough is enough. If I want the cycle of overindulging, over celebrating, and growth of discontent to end…I need to start now.

It’s refreshing, actually. The simplicity. It’s less expensive, less stressful, less time consuming, and much more calm. The meaning of family and faith shine through. That’s what's important. I want to teach my children these principles now. So when they are adults they have a foundation to fight against the norm. And as parents, they pass this idea on to my grandchildren.

I’m beginning to get pretty excited to move again. It’s another opportunity to really evaluate what we have, what we need, and what we can live without. House hunting has taken on a fresh perspective. I’ve lived in homes large and tiny. I have a pretty good idea of what we can get by with to be comfortable and what is really just too much.

I am so appreciative of the opportunity to start fresh again…to make things right. Everything will be new. Everything. I can’t wait to jump in with both feet and renew our family with the concept of living more simply. And the opportunity is coming at the perfect time. Spring is a time for renewal. Practicing contentment is easy when the world around us is beginning again too, offering us the simple pleasures of warm wind blowing our hair back, the sun shining on our faces, the sweet smell of flowers and grass, birds chirping and beautiful sunsets. I’m ready for it.