Super Agents leaving a mark on our world

I love the inquisitive nature of a child. 

 

Discovery -- seeking and finding seems to be built into our core. 

 

From our very first days of life, we begin gathering information in an attempt to make sense of the world we inhabit. 

 

We want to know how our world works.  We long to know what part we play.

 

Infants have their basic needs met through ongoing nurturing and nourishment.  These little ones are completely dependent on another person to provide everything they need.  Then, overtime as they grow and mature, they realize they have been designed to interact with and impact the world.

 

So it is... we have been created to be agents in the world.

 

agent (noun)

1: one who acts or exerts power

2: something that produces or is capable of producing an effect

thanks Merriam-Webster dictionary

 

 

Have you ever thought of yourself as an agent?  A super agent?  

I guess it doesn't really matter if you have or haven't.  We are agents even when we don't realize it.

 

• We are agents in our own lives.
• We are agents in the lives of those we encounter and interact with on a daily basis.
• We are agents with the people we brush shoulders with in our communities and workplaces.

The decisions we make and the actions we take actually have an effect our world.

 

It seems I have almost unlimited options.  Even this morning, as I had coffee with a dear friend she asked me what I had planned for the day.  I quickly rattled off some things I wanted to accomplish. 

 

Unfortunately not once, did I stop to think about how what I chose to do today might impact others.    

 

When in fact every choice I make leaves a mark.  My choices, my actions produce an effect. 

Here's a an example. 
 

Connor, our youngest son, and I just returned from a trip to Northern California. One of things I noticed was the difference in their trash / recycling bins.   Check it out.

 

I was caught off guard when I went to deposit my coffee cup. 

I wonder how much more "trash" is recycled though this simple change.  I know for me, labeling the bin "landfill" made me pause and consider where my coffee cup would ultimately end up.

I'm trying to be more green, really I am.  I hope you are too.  SIDENOTE:  If you're looking for some ideas in this area -- I am not the expert.  I am a novice.  Here's a starting place.  A super organization exists in my hometown called Project Eden and is led by a spectacular, passionate friend... Sara.

Back to the point of this post.  

 

What if we were to pause and consider our words, choices and actions in light of their impact?

What if we stopped long enough to consider these questions?

 

• How is this choice impacting my own life?
• How will it impact the lives of my family and friends?
• What worldview or belief do my words and actions convey?
• What are the lingering effects of my social media posts?

 

So, let's agree to be more intentional and more thoughtful.  Okay? 

Why?  Cause whatever we do is going leave a mark.