Back in 2007, when I first started writing a column for a local newspaper, I wrote a piece inspired by Extreme Home Makeover.  I had been sitting one night watching the popular TV show, when I had a bit of a revelation.  I was watching all of the faceless, nameless volunteers… the sea of people in the infamous blue t-shirts… milling around the work site doing all kinds of “mundane” tasks – carrying supplies, doing electric work, painting walls, shoveling dirt.  And suddenly, it occurred to me… these people were simply doing what they knew how to do and God was taking those simple tasks and turning them into something so much greater.  Those workers may feel like they are just doing some plumbing or just putting up a fence, but to the people that were going to receive that house… it meant a new life, freedom and a second chance.

I was so inspired by the show, that I wrote a column about just that – that all we have to do is what we know and God will take that and make it into something greater.  And the response I got to it was overwhelming.  Many people wrote me letters thanking me for the encouragement, with one woman even sharing how she had cut out the column and put it in a plastic sandwich bag on her refrigerator so she could re-read it whenever she was feeling discouraged.  It was amazing and I was happy that my words could reach so many people.

But I think the reason that it resonated with so many is because we are all trying to find a way to make a difference.  And most of us put way more pressure on ourselves than God ever meant for us.  We think we have to do something “big” like go on a mission trip to an underdeveloped country or donate a huge amount of money to charity.  While those are certainly great ways to serve and God may call certain people to do those very things, it does not mean that we all have to do such grand gestures to make a difference.

Instead, we can simply do what we already know.  Whether it’s banking, waitressing, construction, teaching… whatever you are good at.  Whatever God has gifted you to do.  No matter how small or insignificant it may seem to you, it is not insignificant to God.  He can take even the smallest act and use it for a world of good.  The ripple effect can reach further than you may ever know.

All you have to do is have faith and…

JUST DO IT!