It's revolutionary, and it will change the world.

Lately, I've been looking at this overwhelming problem of the world I live in.

Going through a typical week, with all the people I encounter and all the experiences I have, I keep seeing the brokenness of the world.

The homeless man on the street. That girl sitting all by herself at lunch. Those 10 year olds in awana who don't understand who God is. Those news stories about murders. Discussing politics. Working to keep up with my school work. Trying to learn more about the world.

My head spins thinking of how many problems there are in the world, how many people need help - and I want to do something about it.

I want to change the world, and I want to make a difference for the kingdom of God. I want to be radical, crazy, different, a world-changer.

But the other day, I heard this (ridiculously simple) statement:

You don't have to solve the world's problems.

Huh?

Oh right, I'm not God.

But I was also reminded of this story:

One day, a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"

The youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them back, they'll die."

"Son," the man said, "don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't make a difference!"

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf.

Then, smiling at the man, he said, "I made a difference for that one."

A lot of times I'm overwhelmed with all the things there are to do. How do I know what I'm supposed to do, and how am I supposed to make a difference?

Unlike some of my friends, who have been called off to places like Argentina, Peru, Russia, and China -- or even to direct Awana, minister to youth, serve in church -- I'm not really sure what I'm called to do, or how exactly I can make a difference.

But there are places I can make a difference right here.

I can watch that lego movie with my little brother.

I can help my brother with his speech.

I can not brush them off when they have questions.

I can do the dishes for my mom so she can take a nap.

I can not be on the computer so I can be available for something else.

I can give my dad a hug when he comes home.

I can send an email to a friend just because.

I can make a difference, and I don't need to change the whole world. Great things start small, and if I can make a difference in one person's life, God can turn that into something bigger in His timing and strength.