doing big things.

when I was 16 I was an intern in Guatemala with a ministry. I led teams of people who were my age or older. that as the summer that changed my life. I came home with big dreams ready to change the world. I assumed that because I was an intern when I was 16, there was no telling what I could accomplish and that only big things were in store for me down the road.

but this summer it will be 4 years ago. and truth be told, I think that summer in Guatemala was the "biggest" thing I have done. I haven't accomplished other big things.

the hard part is, I have dreamed of doing those "big things." I have applied to do those big things. and every time I don't get accepted. then my hopes are dashed and I feel like a failure because I am not doing "big things."


ever since I can remember, my parents taught me to dream big and follow those dreams. they encouraged me to do hard things. and go out and do "big things." so every time I don't get accepted into positions that I consider "big" or "hard" I feel like a failure.

this is wrong.

so if you struggle like me, i'd encourage you to hear what mother Teresa said

"DO SMALL THINGS WITH BIG LOVE."

yeah. yeah. everything we do is big. blah. blah. blah.

at least that is what my mind thinks when I don't get my way, am not accepted to do a "big" thing or just wanna lie in self-pity.

but oh please listen to me (maybe I'm just preaching to my own heart...but anyways).

lets start by defining a "big" thing.

I think my definition of a "big" thing is something that others consider a "big" thing. something that is cool. something that involves other people. something that changes lives. something where I can take cool pics and post them on social media and others will think I am cool. something that that others consider "big" which would then make me look big and cool in their eyes.

so pretty much, in my selfish and prideful mind, something big = something cool.

honestly, I don't think that should be our motivation in doing something big for Jesus.

wait, where does Jesus call us to do something "big" for Him... does He?

throughout the gospels, Jesus commands His disciples to do a lot of things, including following Him, letting their lights shine, making disciples, loving and praying for their enemies, preaching the gospel and loving others and loving God.

no where does He say that those have to be big things. it can be the mundane. the everyday. the real life. even though its hard, oh my soul, it is hard, but it is good. it is well.

yes, sometimes God calls us to do big things. sometimes He calls us to do hard things. and other times those big and hard things are the mundane, the everyday. the small things that we can do with big love.