A few weeks ago I was reassured to find out (at church of all places) that it is a GOOD thing to be disturbed. This was reassuring to me because I have always known that I am most assuredly a "disturbed' person. I always say there are "glass half full" kind of people and then there are, I believe the less fortunate "glass half empty" kind of people. You can put these two types of people in the very same scenario and each views their situation completely differently. I am a "glass half full" kind of person, and I think that is a helpful thing in life.

However, even being a "glass half full" kind of girl, I am constantly disturbed by things I hear on the news, read in the paper, or just things I personally witness. This world is not an altogether "kind" place. At church, our pastor talked about being disturbed enough about things or situations to step forward and try to make a difference. Surely we can all agree if more people did this the world would definitely be a kinder, gentler place. There are so many things a person can do to make a difference. My stepson is a runner. He used his gift for running to help make a difference for people in Africa by accepting sponsors for his "run" and donating the money to Blood: Water Mission- an organization that builds wells in Africa so people in remote areas have access to clean drinking water. My daughter testified at the Capital building in Jefferson City to help pass a law that will benefit students with disabilities across the state of Missouri. Public speaking is difficult for her, but she felt strongly about the cause she was supporting, so she stepped out of her comfort zone and spoke courageously and convinced the House Committee on Education to pass "Kaitlyn's Law" unanimously out of committee.

Teenagers can improve the world we live in today. Even small children can do so. My five year old likes to put money in the United Way recepticle at the mall. If you've seen it, you know it's pretty tempting for a little one to pass up! You put change in it and you can watch the change spin 'round and 'round. I let him do this every time he asks though, and I explain what the money is for, hoping to spread the message in his five year old mind that at our house, we believe it is important, even vital, to reach out and try to make a difference in our world- no matter how small.

Above all, I hope my children also know the importance of a kind word and an understanding smile. I imagine all of us would agree the world would be a better place if we gossiped and judged less, and used encouraging words more, if we took the time to smile at that new person at work or school, if we let that person at the checkout line with her four kids go before us, if we offered to help our neighbor cut down that fallen limb rather than complaining about their unkempt lawn, if we just offered up the kind of kindness we would want someone to offer us.

Some may say I am not a realist. Some may say I am living in la-la land. I'm just saying I know I personally can work to improve myself in how I treat others, noone is perfect, but what if we ALL agreed to try harder to step forward and try to make positive change in our world? Wouldn't the world HAVE TO become a better place? And isn't that largely why we're here?

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing and pefect will.

Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.