When I was 26 years old and single, the Lord put something on my heart: to move to Guatemala and work at a nonprofit through a program. I would only be there for less than a year.
But before I went, I faced all kinds of pressure not to go.
A friend asked me, “Why would you move to Guatemala? Don’t you want to get married?’
People close to me shared newspaper articles with me about the many kidnappings there.
Before going, I had to read forms (and I think sign, if I remember correctly) that said in case of being kidnapped, the program did not do ransoms because that would only encourage them to happen again.
I had to create a will just in case I didn’t make it.
That was tough. But the thing is,
When the Lord puts something on your heart, there is no better place to be than where he has called you.
I had to push the noise aside because I KNEW the Lord was beckoning me there.
So I went.
Fifteen years later, my time in Guatemala continues to transform my mind and heart. The stories of what I experienced during that short time have been passed down to my kids. And, we hope to visit Guatemala with them sometime soon.
I want them to know how other people in the world really live.
I want them to see the reality of a developing country.
I want them to see the beautiful culture.
I want them to experience the kindness, joy, and simplicity of the people there.
What has the Lord put on your heart to do? It doesn’t have to be “big”.
It might be washing dishes with gratefulness because it means you have a family to wash dishes for.
It might be getting up in the middle of the night for your child with an attitude of love instead of bitterness.
It might mean serving together.
It might mean making a meal with your kids for a neighbor who is in need.
It might mean enjoying that time in the car with your children as you drive them from activity to activity, making the most of it.
What might seem small to us, is actually big in the Lord’s eyes.
Because what is big to him is Love.
When we respond and follow through with what he has put on our hearts, in the little and big things, we are obeying him and fulfilling his commandments: to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and to love others.
Don’t get hindered by the noise in this world.
Seek after him.
Fulfill what he has put on your heart.
There you will find true joy, peace, life, him.
“This is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another.” 1 John 3:23
Opening Our Eyes to Today
Kids are so good at being in the now – there is so much life and joy in that. These words can help us do that…
“This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?…Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Jesus (Matthew 6:27, 34)
“Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is not wise to ask such questions.” Ecclesiastes 7:10
“Give us Today our daily bread.” Jesus (Matthew 6:11)
“I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
Sweet Moments
One of my favorite things to do with my children is to read a great book with them.
Right now, we’re reading The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe. It’s such a sweet, sweet time to connect.
What are some books you and your children have loved reading together? 
Guest on a Podcast
Lastly, I was recently a guest on Jordan Burchette’s podcast where I talked about practical ways to encourage our kids to follow Jesus and his words: to love God and love others. Here it is if you want to take a listen:
Linsey Driskill 