mailbox missionaries

“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you”

-Mother Theresa

When I think about all the people in the world in need, I either watch an episode of FRIENDS so I don’t have to think about it, or I think about it and come to the conclusion that the world is screwed.

 I am big thinker. I want an end to hunger and war and pain before lunch, and I want it in one big miracle. The problem with being a big thinker is that once you realize that you’re thinking too big you get so discouraged that you immediately lose hope in the little things, those things close to home. Those things that may matter more than we think. 

I may never go to Africa or Guatemala or Mexico. I may never go on a ‘mission trip” (as defined by the Church) in my entire life. But I want to make a difference in the lives around me, no matter how small and insignificant it may seem to my big thinking self.

Sometimes when I think about investing in other people I just get really tired. I make all sorts of excuses for myself, like, Dr. Phil is on, or someone else will probably send them a card, or the mailbox is too far away. But when I really stop to think about it, there’s no reason great enough to excuse me from encouraging and loving others especially those so close to us. When it comes to being the hands and feet of Jesus, maybe that can simply mean writing someone a card of encouragement and walking your butt to the mailbox. 

So let’s love in a real, everyday way. Let’s meet people where they are with some ice cream and a movie. Let’s sacrifice ourselves to bring others healing and love in all sorts of contexts. Let’s go where he sends us, knowing that sometimes that may simply be to the mailbox.