Today I Give Thanks for Those Working to Make the World Better

 

 

Today I Give Thanks for Those Working to Make the World Better…One Step at a Time

 

Yesterday afternoon I heard an interview with Chip Carter, who was asked how his father should be remembered.  He said, “As a wonderful human being…who made this world a better place than when he found it.”

 

I’ve been reflecting on this statement and believe that Jimmy (and Rosalyn) Carter did not just wake up one day after his humiliating 1980 presidential reelection loss and decide to change the whole world.  I really don’t think Jimmy set out to become the best ex-president that we’ve ever had.  Instead, I suspect that the Carters work up each day determined to do what they could that very day to make the world better than when they opened their eyes – teaching Bible studies, running the peanut business, interacting with family and helping friends and neighbors. 

 

They probably then found agencies that could use their help, like Habitat for Humanity.  Ultimately, they also discovered problems that deserved to be worked on and desperately needed funding, such as eradication of the guinea worm, and that was the point when they opened the Carter Center to focus attention and funding on these needs.  One thing led to another until their efforts truly did change the world – as well as their family, friends, and neighbors.

 

What could I do if I woke up each day and tried to do just a little something to make the world better?  What would the world be like if every one of us decided to make the world just a little bit better than when we found it today?  What would it take to do that?  And where might such small, simple actions lead us?

 

I don’t have a crystal ball.  I can’t say for sure what will happen, but I’m willing to give it a try.  Changing the whole world feels overwhelming, but taking small, simple steps?  That I can do.  How about you?  Care to join me?