Not Too Far From Here

I have had a few discussions lately with girlfriends about raising our kids and the issues they will face as they grow. Our Mother Hearts ache with the thought of the pain and heartache ahead, the challenges and victories, the trials and triumphs. I know every mother prays fervently that their son or daughter will make it through the bumpy road to adulthood relatively unscathed and emerge on the other side beautifully confident in who they are.

I have been pondering lately, trying to pinpoint what I might do as a parent to keep them in their walk with Christ, to help them develop their own testimony of the truths I know so well. I have heard many ideas. Daily talks with God, daily immersion in His word, being surrounded by positive influences, limited exposure to negative media, interaction with good friends...there are so many things I can do by example and help my children to develop as their own habits. But I think I have come to my own conclusion, a little different than the standard answers some will give. I think a serving heart is what makes the difference. If they can see me reaching out to others, serving my fellow men and women, quietly going about trying to do a little good in this world - that is what makes the difference. The other things are important habits to develop, but they can so easily become items to check off on a list of things to do. But all of those things will naturally evolve in you if you have a real love of your brothers and sisters (figuratively speaking) in this world. I want my children to see the world around them with open eyes have a natural ability to see where they can help and serve to make it a little better for someone else.

In this spirit, I have adopted one of my favourite songs as a personal call to action. Here are the beautiful lyrics of Hilary Weeks' "Not Too Far From Here." I have a happiness within me that is attainable by all, and I feel that need to reach out and share it. I pray that the seed of service I plant today within me will grow and bloom to humble greatness.

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Somebody's down to their last dime
Somebody's running out of time
Not too far from here
Somebody's got nowhere else to go
Somebody needs a little hope
Not too far from here
And I may not know their name
But I'm praying just the same
That You'll use me Lord to wipe away a tear
Cause somebody's crying
Not too far from here

Somebody's troubled and confused
Somebody's got nothing left to lose
Not too far from here
Somebody's forgotten how to trust
Somebody's dying for love
Not too far from here
It may be a stranger's face
But I'm praying for Your grace
To move in me and take away the fear
Cause somebody's hurting
Not too far from here

Help me Lord not to turn away from pain
Help me not to rest while those around me weep
Give me Your strength and compassion
When somebody finds the road of life too steep

Somebody's troubled and confused
Somebody's got nothing left to lose
Not too far from here
Somebody's forgotten how to trust
And somebody's dying for love
Not too far from here
Now I'm letting down my guard
And I'm opening my heart
Help me speak Your love to every needlful ear
Someone is waiting not too far from here
Someone is waiting not too far from here