Above is the clip that PBJ showed before his message several Sundays ago. It really spoke to me. Not sure if it was the teacher in me thinking about cause-effect relationships, or the mom in me reminding myself (and my boys) to always -ALWAYS - think and make the wise choice. Perhaps it was a little bit of both....But, I am certain the Lord was simply emphasizing or (re-emphasizing) to me that everything I do matters! Everything! Some are seen, others are unseen- at least by human eyes. It is also called the Butterfly Effect.
If you know me, then you've witnessed at least one of my passionate rants about one of my most favorite authors, Andy Andrews. (Thanks Kasey Ewing) He wrote a children's book entitled, The Boy Who Changed the World. I love love love this book! It is a beautiful story that begins with Norman Borlaug as a young boy. (Spoiler Alert- if you plan to read this book- stop here- wouldn't want to ruin it for ya) Anyway, Norman developed super seeds. These super seeds grew into plants that feed two million people. People that would have otherwise starved to death! So the story states that Norman Borlaug was the boy who changed the world. The story continues and reveals that Norman studied under Henry Wallace....so maybe Henry Wallace was the boy who changed the world. Yet, Henry Wallace was influenced by George Washington Carver. You know the guy that devised over 100 products from one major crop, the peanut! (Now he's one of my personal favorites! Is there anything better than peanut butter?) So, George Washington Carver must have been the boy that changed the world...but there was Moses Carver, George's adopted father. George was born to his mother, Mary Washington. (His father had been killed shortly before his birth.) Soon after George's birth, the infant and his mother were kidnapped during the night by Quantrill's raiders. Moses Carver rode all night to find George and Mary. (check out the book for all the details) When he found them, Mary had been killed. George was barely alive. Moses carried that baby boy home where he and his wife, Susan took him into their family. They adopted George. His name became George Washington Carver. So Moses Carver HAD to be the boy that changed the world? Right?!? It's an amazing book that paints a beautiful picture of how these men's lives were woven together, thus changing the world forever.
Even young children can trace how these lives were intertwined. The book explains the Butterfly Effect in a kid-friendly format where children understand and make the connections. Author Andy Andrews goes on to explain that every thing we do matters. It's tough to swallow- especially for adults, but it's certainly true.
If I eat too much ice cream (or Steel City Pops) my jeans are too tight to button
If I spend too much time playing games on my devices- I will be too tired to do my homework
If I stay up too late - I get up too late to have my quiet time before going to work or school
Cause-Effect. Cause-Effect. Cause-Effect.
Cause-Effect. Cause-Effect. Cause-Effect.
Every thing- EVERY SINGLE thing that we do matters !!!
When Paul was writing to the people in Ephesus, he told them how they should live. These truths are valuable for us in 2017. "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16
Needless to say- after viewing the video clip and hearing PBJs #Reset message, I want to make a special effort to be intentional about my focus. I want to be more strategic with my time and talents. You and I may never know the impact our lives have on others --friends or strangers.
Click to see a clip of Andy Andrews explaining his purpose in writing The Boy Who Changed the World.
