At a loose end

When you're hanging out with a friend and you're at a loose end. What I mean is you haven't planned anything and you panic because you want to do something meaningful, you know, use that time well. So at once the ideas 'food' 'outing' 'shops' pop into your head. And after some debate and googling you decide to go to a movie.You laugh at all the inuendo and crude humour, go separate ways and then when you lay in your bed at night, feel slightly uncomfortable, well more just not-quite-satisfied with yourself.
It's because you wanted to change the world. In your deepest of hearts you wanted to build God's kingdom. And what you did tonight in no way contributed.

Might not be your story but this is my story a few times over.

Wasted money when your $20 could have instead saved a few kids from the sneaky but lethal bite of a malaria-carrying mosquito. All because of haste, and fear of deviation from the social norm. What is really living anway? Is it not to take risks, to be open, to let life flow out of you exuberantly? To enable others to live more, even? I thought about this tonight. What if those 'catchups' involved a different kind of activity -- what if you could save the world in your spare time?

I think it's possible. We can continue being advocates 24/7. Watch a real movie, that educated you about other living circumstances existing in this world. Watch desert flower or the 58: film. Or write a letter to encourage a young bride widowed just a week after her marriage. Or to a persecuted christian who persevere's under torture - tell them they're an inspiration. Or cook a sweet dinner for someone who's super busy or not feeling great. Or just go for a walk (instead of eating chocolate) and appreciate the beauty of this world that we live in. The simple things. The basics of life. They need to be appreciated and to be shared more. Let love take over <3