Lead!

Our lil dog Toby loves to go for walks and it gives me great exercise as well! Now that the weather is nice and cool in Central Texas walks are very enjoyable, but I noticed as we walk that there is a lot of trash around my neighborhood on the ground. Every time I saw a piece I thought "It's okay. Someone will pick it up". Well, the next day we went on our walk I saw the same piece of trash!
So then I got to thinking, How many other people said "it's okay. Someone will pick it up? What if instead of complaining about something going on around us, that we have the ability to make a difference with, we just do something!

In my teen years up until this year (24th) I was afraid to do things because I wondered what people would think of me and that kept me from doing them. There were times as I got older that I would step up and do what I felt was the right thing more often, but I still had moments where other people's opinions mattered to me. It wasn't until this summer I got to the point where I said, "Enough is enough!" Who cares what they think, especially if what I am doing is the right thing! Now my mindset before doing something is "what will God think?" Abba Father is the one whose opinion matters most!

There are times when I still pause before doing something, but then I ask myself "what does God think" and that pushes me to do it. How much more can be achieved if we stop saying "Oh someone will do it" and we do the action ourselves! I encourage you to take that step or go the extra mile that others won't go. Is there trash around a trash can? Pick it up and throw it away. Are someone's ideas being overlooked in a meeting? Why not say "what"Sally" was saying sounded like a good/fun idea." When that co-worker leaves with their meal for the day and they have a lot more in their sack tell a manager. Is a kid/adult getting bullied? Even if the bully says it in a playing manner stand up for that kid/adult!

Now when I go for walks I take 2 bags with me: one for Toby's poop and a 2nd for trash. Yes, people might be watching me - thinking it's strange that I pick up trash on our walks, but I pray that in doing so others are encouraged to do something too!

23 Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve. Colossians 3:23-24