Is your heart heavy this morning with the problems of our world? Are you feeling overwhelmed with despair?
Maybe if you knew you could do something you would, but you just feel so small in the wake of so much trouble . . .
Well, in these feelings, I'm right there with you. It is so tempting to shut off the news right now and ignore. It's too much!
However, in this feeling, the word that has come to mind this week is...
Extra: more than is due, usual, or necessary.
And this is what I have been thinking, we all have something extra to offer the world.
No matter our life stage, financials, time, personality, etc. we ALL have something extra to offer. Something that we go out of the way to do that might cost us something (or a lot) to offer, but is our work to do.
Yet, I've been thinking that so many of us don't offer our "extra" because we've got our eyes on somebody else's extra.
We think that "Well, I can't give more because what I have isn't a lot."
Or "I'll do this particular kind act for someone when I have more resources to do it" (so you just do nothing in the meantime).
Or you simply just talk yourself out of what you have to give, being insecure about its worthiness.
But know this, the world needs your extra!
Your extra won't look like mine or somebody's else's, I'm sure of that, but it will be beautiful when you give it.
Maybe this week being "extra" might mean organizing something so that you might be a connector of people because you are good at that.
Maybe your "extra" might mean going deeper in a friendship-- really showing up for someone who needs you in their life, even if a thank you isn't always shared.
Maybe your "extra" might mean sending a handwritten card to someone who is grieving even if you think your handwriting is terrible.
I don't know what it is, but I bet you do!
Again, you might think to yourself that your "extra" isn't changing the world. It's not putting a dent in big social problems. You might even think it's as foolish as throwing pennies and making wishes in a fountains. But I want to be that voice in your life this morning that encourages you to go ahead and be extra.
Think of something that you can offer someone or an organization you care about with all your heart, and I promise you that as you do, your impact will be felt.
After all, doesn't it only take a little light to bring brilliance to a whole room?
Shining with you because the world needs our light now more than ever!
XO
Elizabeth
