“Mommy, she said “Amazon”!” he excitedly told me. The three year old was watching JustinTime—a little kid show that explores other countries and cultures.  However, I realized that he was excited to recognize the word “Amazon” as the company who delivers a bunch of packages to our home—NOT the lush rainforest with a variety of people groups.

Yikes, I thought, we need to have a little lesson on South America! He’s only three, so it’s fine, but I’m pretty sure the eight and nine year old would also first associate the word “Amazon” with the company.  After all, the brown cardboard packages impact their little lives more directly than anything from the rainforest.

Still…it’s a good and quick reminder that we are not the only country or culture in the world. We aren’t the only state in the US; and we aren’t the only family.  It’s easy to get wrapped up in ourselves and our own little bubble.  But the reality is that there is so much more!  Life is not just about us—in a good way!

Over the years I’ve noticed that I’m much happier when I’m not focused on myself. I find joy in serving or encouraging others.  Plus, there’s so much less pressure when we aren’t forcing ourselves into some savior of the world position we’ve created!  Yes, God can do big things through you, but no, everything does not rest on your shoulders.

Take a step back and look at the big picture. You are in it, but not the center focal point.  So if you’ve been feeling stressed or unhappy lately, take a deep breath and look toward the heavens.  Remember that life isn’t about you, and God’s plans do not revolve around you.

We should remember that even that annoying coworker, even that man begging on the street, even that person in a distant land, and even you and I in our weakest moments are loved deeply by God. That love has nothing to do with us and we cannot control it.  Take a break from all of your worry and your desire to control.  It will be okay.  Everything will work out for God’s glory.

Anyone else need to just shift your focus off of YOU and look at something else for a while? I know I feel so much more motivated and energized when I’m trying to serve others.  Focusing on myself just leads to disappointment and frustration.  But then I remember that life isn’t about me and suddenly I find my joy again.

John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”