Inspire.

Everyday, I dream. How can I make a difference? I was given an assignment last week to write a paper on the subject. I had no invention. I had no money. I had no media spotlight. There are times when I really wonder. Dream. Absorb. Digest. Reflect. Decide. My thoughts race, but I soon reach my conclusion. I will attempt to make a difference in whatever situation or life-stage I am in, even if it is doing something small. So simple. I want to remind people of the "little things" in life. But I fear this thought may be on its way to cliché-ness if I can say that.

English Professors instruct us to stay away from clichés, but I think clichés have become clichés because they are used without thought. Say that ten times fast-- We don't process the words. We don't apply them. We say it then forget it. I've decided not to forget this one. We all know how Dr. Marin Luther King Jr. started his journey in making a difference; He had a dream. And he acted on it. Somewhere inside we have this little light. Sometimes it is difficult to ignite. I have found that my light does not just shine on its own. It requires a few things. I need struggles to make me strong, relationships to make me feel loved, the word of God to give me wisdom, and finally, the world around me so that I can use my experience to help others. We have a purpose in life. Without purpose, what are we living for?

Whether the whole world knows me or a small town, I will let my light shine. I will encourage someone when they want to give up. Someone needs to be told that they're worth it. I will be a friend. I will live the life I was created to live. I will do what I can with what I have. Care for others. Learn. When life doesn't make sense, we are able to figure something out. When we cry, we are able to laugh again. When we say goodbye, we are able to say hello to someone else. When we fail, we are able to endure and triumph. Life would be dull and meaningless if we did not go through struggles and changes. John Mayer reminds us "Life may not always go the way it should, but I know the heart of life is good." Use your experience to make a difference in someone's life. Show them it is good. Put on a smile and appreciate the little things. God certainly slows us down with a bad situation, but he never fails to show us the beauty of a new day.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." – James 1:2-3