I suspect most of us would like to think our life had an impact.  We ponder big questions about changing the world and then get bogged down by the enormity of the challenge.

Here are some ideas for making this reflection process more manageable.

1)  Recognize that I don’t need to think in terms of worlds, countries, states, or cities.  They are just too big. Perhaps, I can define a tiny portion of the world that is within my sphere of influence.

2)  Look at my list of important issues and simply choose one on which I will focus my attention.

3)  Study the issue. Find out what the problems are and what is being done. Get to know real people who are involved with the issue. Listen to the stories. By immersing myself, I may discover the spark that ignites my passion.

4)  At the same time I am learning about the issue, look for opportunities both big and small to support the cause and then take action.

Alone, none of these will make a big difference, but each will make some difference, and that is a step in the right direction. Mother Teresa summed it up best when she said, “What we do is less than a drop in the ocean. But if it were missing, the ocean would lack something.”

Photo by spettacolopuro

Some communities thrive, fueled by the enthusiasm of its members. Others struggle, maintaining an existence based on history, necessity, or mild interest. Whenever I notice this difference between two of my communities, I find myself asking what makes one so much different than the other?

For a while in my life, I belonged to a church that really seemed to have it all together.  To uncover its secrets, I called a staff person to talk about this community’s success. Here were our conclusions.

• The  community has a powerful sense of purpose that encourages action. Members understand it, rally around it, and live it.
• Members take charge. They want to be involved. There are ample opportunities to be involved. They get involved.
• Gatherings are intentionally joyful and celebratory. They are fun to attend.
• When faced with challenges, the community continually asks itself how it can learn and become better by working through the challenge.
• The fear of “What will others think?” is rare.
• There’s plenty of straight talk about what is going on in the community.
• It stays focused outwardly, rather than inwardly.

Imagine implementing these ideals in your community or organization. It could unlock some amazing results.