Not Missing What Matters

In my last blog (last year, no less!), I professed my love for Matthew West's song, "My Own Little World." If you haven't checked it out yet, watch the video on YouTube. I promised that I would write again about "not missing what matters," as West sings in the hit.

So, for this new year, I've been thinking about ways to really live my life for what matters. Too often I get caught up in the petty, materialistic stuff that really doesn't matter. I don't believe that's why we're on this Earth. We are here, in my humble opinion, to serve others and to serve our God. But what does that look like?

One of my biggest struggles with transplanting to an area of the state that I'm not very familiar with, is not knowing other people in the community. In high school and college, I was so involved in the community, and I haven't really stepped out of my comfort zone to do that in Bucyrus yet. So, I've come up with some ways that I want to work this year to give back to others and really start living for the important stuff. Will you add to my list?

• I want to create a card list. The cards can be for birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, or no reason whatsoever. I love the feeling that comes with opening a card from a friend and knowing that someone else is thinking of me, so I want to do this for others. If you want added to my list, just shoot me an email.
• I also want to put together a Relay for Life team. Cancer has impacted all of us. This is a small way to honor my friends and family members who have battled the disease and provide resources to help find a cure.
• I love traveling, but I've never been on a mission trip. In college, I went to Ecuador for a service project, but it wasn't tied to God. I really want to go somewhere and do good in His name. Greg and I are antsy to go to Jamaica with CSI, so hopefully this year we can make that a reality. Plus, there's a new project in Jamaica focused on developing a agricultural education center, so it's right down our alley.
• Finally, this year I want to do small things to let others know I'm thinking about them. Whether it's baking cookies for my neighbors, serving a meal in the soup kitchen, or making more of an effort to stay in touch with my college friends, those are the things in the long run that will make a difference.

I'm a bit of a pack-rat. Around my desk, I post cards and quotations that mean something to mean. One is a Max Lucado card from my church when I was in college. I saved it for the phrase on the outside: "It's what we do for Christ in the here and now that will make a difference in the then and there." How true. The things we do now will have ever-lasting effects. So, it's time to start living for others and not missing what matters in this world.

My Own Little World

One of my favorite songs right now is "My Own Little World" by Matthew West. Earlier this fall, I was literally brought to tears as I drove to school one day and this song came on the radio. Watch the YouTube video, then read more below.

How often do we live inside our own little worlds? I'd be interested (and probably appalled) to know how many times a day I use the words "I," "me," or "my." I'm guilty of it, and I hate it. I get so wrapped up in what I want, where I want to be, what I'm trying to accomplish, that I forget about all of those around me. And the sad thing? I know I'm not alone.

What would this world be like if we all started living for those around us? Imagine the difference we could make. There are so many people walking right around us that need to know that someone cares, that need to know that they matter and they're worth something. All it takes is us looking outside our own bubble to others, but then what? What do these actions look like? What can we physically do for others? Where do we even start? I'd love to know your ideas.

Another blog is coming soon on not missing what matters, because

"I don't want to miss what matters

I wanna be reaching out

Show me the greater purpose

So I can start living right now."

DIVE

Almost five and a half years ago, I experienced the biggest moment of my life up to that point. I stood on a stage in front of 6,000 FFA members, parents, and guests and poured my heart out through my retiring address. Most people don't realize that I spent the morning crying, vomiting, and hyperventilating. Yep, it was a pretty big deal. When I look back on the day, it was such a small moment in time, though I didn't realize it then. And why was it such a big deal? Because I was making a public statement of my beliefs and ideals. I was going to be held accountable for my thoughts. And, more importantly, I hoped that my words would make a small difference in this world.

The premise of my speech was pretty basic. Using the acronym DIVE, I encouraged the audience to live four pillars in their everyday lives: Have Confidence, Take Risks, Live in the Moment, and Be Passionate. Those four principles had carried me through the most life-changing year I had experienced while serving as the Ohio FFA President and stretching myself to step out of my comfort zone more than I could imagine.



So, why do I bring this up today? Lately, I've been wondering if I'm still living those four principles. As I gave my retiring address, every thing in the world seemed to make perfect sense. Yet, now, as an "adult," I tend to get confused my different interests pulling me in 18 different directions. At times I'm so busy at work that I fail to live in the moment. I have confidence, but what if it comes across as arrogance? Am I taking risks, or am I being stuck in status quo? I'm passionate about many things, but am I pursuing my passions? Those are pretty deep rhetorical questions, but they're things I ask myself pretty frequently. As I continue to "grow up," it's imperative that I remember to DIVE, and I encourage you to do the same.

Back to Blogging... For Now

Almost four months has passed since I blogged last. That's a third of a year. I hate the cliche' phrase "time flies," but it's so true. In just a couple of months, I'm going to turn 25. When did that happen? Greg and I have been married almost two years. A small drop in the bucket, I know, but still it's pretty incredible since it seems like yesterday. I'm in my third year of teaching. Never thought I'd step foot into a classroom. All those examples just go to show that time does have a tendency slip away from us. I guess that's why it's even more important that we live lives of purpose.

One of my biggest struggles with blogging is finding something valuable to write. I mean, anyone can write what they had for lunch today, but I want to write with deeper meaning. So, instead of backtracking like I have for a while, I'm going to start living in the moment. I can't promise that I'll write every week, but i am going to look for more examples of purpose, value, and meaning and my daily life and share those with you.

So, about last year...

I'm noticing a pattern. It goes something like this:

1. Think about how I really need to blog.
2. Tell myself to take a few minutes to update my blog.
3. Put off blogging until tomorrow.
4. Repeat.

Tonight, I've actually made it to step five. Blogging. Big milestone in my life.

I've thought about the quickest way to summarize the past year. I decided to list adjectives to describe my life. Here goes:

• Fun
• Challenging
• Fast-paced
• Educational
• Meaningful
• Perplexing
• Full

Ok, maybe that's not the best way to do it. After all, it doesn't paint a very clear picture. How about instead, I list some milestones?

• Greg and I bought a camper and went on our first camping trip. Looking forward to lots more!
• I survived my first summer at the Crawford County Fair and can't wait for another one.
• Found a new church home at Crossroads Community Church in Mansfield. We love it.
• Started off the school year on the first day of school. Great concept!
• Have become actively involved with the dairy farm through sharing the story of agriculture through social media (find Dial Dairy on Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger!) and through feeding calves with my mother-in-law.
• Traveled to Chicago for the first time and got to share the experience with 18 students.
• Celebrated our first anniversary. Many more to come. :)
• Launched my own small business specializing in small graphic design and webpage projects. Visit Impact Communications to learn more.
• Last week I was named Teacher of the Year which reaffirmed my faith that I've chosen a career that I'm good at. This week I've taken on the role of farm wife, taking supper to the fields, and next week, we're out of school. Life is good.

I hope to update this blog more often. Stay tuned to see the new developments in our world. Thanks for reading!