A Plastic Knife
I unfolded some napkin-wrapped utensils in a restaurant at an airport recently to find a metal fork coupled with a plastic knife. The combination looked silly and it felt like a mistake. Plastic knife, metal fork. Did someone just not notice? Had the restaurant run out? Were they madly doing dishes trying to catch up?
But of course it wasn’t a mistake. It’s one of those unexpected but poignant reminders that it’s possible for one person to change history. In fact, it’s astounding. 7 years after the fact (9/11), we are still unpacking the effect of one man’s ideas filtered through 19 hijackers one terrible Tuesday morning. How much inconvenience has been created as millions of people on thousands of flights diligently measure their shower gel into 100ml containers sealed in clear plastic bags measuring 6 inches by 6 inches? Multiply that by 365 days times 7 years and counting… It’s astounding. How much sheer effort and inconvenience has been created in the wake of all that?
One person really can change history.
Of course that idea finds about as much traction in me as it does in you. Yes, it’s technically and factually true. It’s as true as the fact that human beings can leave our atmosphere and orbit the earth on spacecraft. But that doesn’t mean it will ever happen to me. One person really can change history. But can you choose to be that person? Can anyone? Perhaps our place in history made Osama as much as he made this place in our history.
I really want to avoid writing some ‘good to hear’ motivational piece that never really finds a hold on decisions we’re making. Instead, let’s practice some tough thinking. The issue isn’t about whether or not we can have an impact. The issue is one of scale and recognition. You can change someone’s world as much as the events of 9/11 have changed ours. In fact you could do it right now through any number of Aid agencies addressing the tragedy of Sub Saharan Africa. It’s compassion on a scale of one. There often isn’t any recognition for it but it is no less powerful – at least not to that one whom you help.
Think about it… You can change someone’s world as much as 9/11 changed ours. It’s a part of the challenge of the Jesus based life and it’s why I’m on my way to Africa right now. The crisis in Sub Saharan Africa is just one of those things in history for which we were made: we can become the missing piece that takes our world by surprise. This isn’t about the duty or the obligation or the tragedy… It’s about the adventure of life as He intended it to be. This is not about what you have to give… It’s about finding yourself in the gift!
Have you found yourself in the gift, yet?
Something to consider.
Have a great weekend,
Chris
But of course it wasn’t a mistake. It’s one of those unexpected but poignant reminders that it’s possible for one person to change history. In fact, it’s astounding. 7 years after the fact (9/11), we are still unpacking the effect of one man’s ideas filtered through 19 hijackers one terrible Tuesday morning. How much inconvenience has been created as millions of people on thousands of flights diligently measure their shower gel into 100ml containers sealed in clear plastic bags measuring 6 inches by 6 inches? Multiply that by 365 days times 7 years and counting… It’s astounding. How much sheer effort and inconvenience has been created in the wake of all that?
One person really can change history.
Of course that idea finds about as much traction in me as it does in you. Yes, it’s technically and factually true. It’s as true as the fact that human beings can leave our atmosphere and orbit the earth on spacecraft. But that doesn’t mean it will ever happen to me. One person really can change history. But can you choose to be that person? Can anyone? Perhaps our place in history made Osama as much as he made this place in our history.
I really want to avoid writing some ‘good to hear’ motivational piece that never really finds a hold on decisions we’re making. Instead, let’s practice some tough thinking. The issue isn’t about whether or not we can have an impact. The issue is one of scale and recognition. You can change someone’s world as much as the events of 9/11 have changed ours. In fact you could do it right now through any number of Aid agencies addressing the tragedy of Sub Saharan Africa. It’s compassion on a scale of one. There often isn’t any recognition for it but it is no less powerful – at least not to that one whom you help.Think about it… You can change someone’s world as much as 9/11 changed ours. It’s a part of the challenge of the Jesus based life and it’s why I’m on my way to Africa right now. The crisis in Sub Saharan Africa is just one of those things in history for which we were made: we can become the missing piece that takes our world by surprise. This isn’t about the duty or the obligation or the tragedy… It’s about the adventure of life as He intended it to be. This is not about what you have to give… It’s about finding yourself in the gift!
Have you found yourself in the gift, yet?
Something to consider.
Have a great weekend,
Chris
Updates
One of our top priorities over the past 8 months has been to build a dream team of leaders on staff at Westside King's Church. We’re making a commitment to each other to (1) find great people and (2) take each other’s excuses away. We have a position available as part of our office administration team. If you think you might be interested in something a little more purpose-based and passion directed, let us know. Email us at westsidepeoplesearch@wkc.org.
posted by Leigh at
5:10 PM
2 Comments:
LETTERS FROM GEORGE "If we really do want justice we must wake up—individuals can change the world, just look at Jesus...
By
africa.man.stan, at 3:28 PM
Our actions can really affect one individual ... when I went to Zambia I felt helpless much of the time, as I thought nothing I did mattered because the scale was so overwhelming. I realized towards the end of the trip it was the 1 to 1 interactions that were making a difference - whether they were life long, that day or just for a moment - that was enough.
Now more than 18 months later, as I plan to go back, do I realize that the impactful lifelong change from that trip was not in people I connected with and my impact on them, but the combined lasting affect they had on me! It has only been in the recent months that I've grown to understand that.
In my day to day interactions I try to be be conscious of what I say, how I say it and what I do, etc. Because impacts are big, no matter what part of the world you are in or the nature or circumstances of the interaction you are having.
Tracey B
By
tab6870, at 12:27 PM
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