We were going over the week’s vocabulary words. One of the second grade words was “present.” We discussed all three definitions of the word and how to use them. As we talked, my son said, “I wish it was like the good ol’ days, don’t you?”
I wasn’t sure which good ol’ days this seven year old was referring to, so I queried further. It seems that days of exploration prior to the Civil War had captured this boy’s adventurous spirit. We talked about how what we read about is close to what it was like, but it is still merely a description of things past.
Those things, although described well, leave out the pain and the hardship that the people of that time period faced. We talked about how we both love history and the stories of people long ago. I told him that just as those people became part of history and we now read their stories, that someday, the things that are happening now in his lifetime would be the things his kids would read in history books.
More important than what will fill the history books of his children, I want him to know that he is here in this time because God ordained it and he has a purpose. I want you to know that too. I want you to know that God in his infinite wisdom has you right where you are to influence the people around you for his glory.
It may not seem like much on some days and on others it may seem like too much to bear. But He is there with you and He has gone before you, making a way.
The present is exactly where you should be, looking for the opportunities God has for you. Just as Queen Esther, in the Bible, was positioned to deliver her people; you too have been put in your position to bring light to dark places.
Not many of us will save a small country, and not all of us will have our histories written in official history books. Only a few will reach any degree of fame and most us will continue on in relative obscurity, finding joy and beauty in the mundane as we teach our children history and vocabulary.
But you are a part of something bigger than yourself. You are part of God’s plan. He has you exactly where you should be.
Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.
Ecclesiastes 7:10 NIV84
How can you make the biggest impact for His glory? – Right now. Right where you are.
