Excess of Access

This summer has made me realize so much. Today, as I'm sitting here on the Fourth of July, I realize how blessed I am being an American. Working with refugees has given me an even greater appreciation for how great this country is and how many people even to this day are willing to give all they have in order to make it here. They don't have anything but the clothes of their backs and a dream of a better life in our country. It makes me stop and think of how much easier I have it. I was born here, speak the language, and have just about every opportunity I could think of, and can get it a lot easier than my lovely refugee friends. Yet they do not complain. They are simply grateful to have a chance. What would my life look like if I lived it more like that? Further, how could I use what I have to make their lives better?

I just read a book that I would highly recommend, called "More or Less" by Jeff Shinabarger. This book addresses all of the excess we as Americans tend to have, and how we can use it to help others. One of the things Jeff talks about in the book is the excess in access that we have. We have access to transportation, money, education, and so much more. How can I use my access to benefit someone's life? This question has convicted me, not only in my life here this summer, but also when I come back home. What do I have that others who do not have as much could benefit from?

This summer, that question has been easy to answer. I have given countless rides to the grocery store, helped fill out job applications, apply for various benefits, given free swim lessons, taught Bible stories, and much more. All of those things have simply come from my access to a vehicle, computer, a pool, the Bible, and ability to speak and read English. And really, it comes down to a willing heart. I've been in prayer, asking God to show me opportunities to use all that I have in order to bless other peoples' lives. I firmly believe that if you ask God to show you ways to be a blessing, you will find them.

So here's my question to you: What do you have access to? Who can it benefit? Are you willing?

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