People who make a difference in our lives are most often not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards - rather, they are the ones who simply "care". M. Scott Peck, in his book, The Road Less Traveled, opens with a blunt three-word sentence: "Life is difficult". To that, we may add, "Life is unfair"! It's 'caring' in the midst of life which is often difficult & unfair! In these articles I have been focusing on creating conditions or an atmosphere in which we make a difference in people's lives. Last month I considered the first 3 conditions that I believe makes a difference in people's lives. They were:

1. Belonging - The Importance of Belonging.
   People need the experience of being connected, included, supported, wanted and welcomed in a real, tangible way.

2. Heroes - The Importance of Everyday Heroes.
   We all are shaped to some degree by the people we look up to! Our attitudes, choices and decisions we make have often been influenced (sometimes subconsciously) by the people we have embraced as our heroes. We, too, may be heroes in other people's lives without us ever knowing it!

3. Sense of Accomplishment - Building a Sense of Accomplishment.
   What a blessing it is to have one's hard work and loyalty recognized and rewarded, to have one's successes shared with other people, to have individual and group efforts celebrated and encouraged, regardless of the outcome, and to have others help us achieve our goals.

Today's message will focus on the next condition that I believe makes a difference in people's lives.

4. Living Life in a Way that Let's People See That We are Enjoying, even Loving, What We are Doing!
   Of course there are specific events that we experience from time to time that are extremely disappointing, frustrating and painful. During those times, we will find it very difficult to be excited about life! I'm not referring to those times! But I am meeting far too many people who are unhappy with life in general - unhappy with their spouses, unhappy with their work, unhappy with their neighbourhood, unhappy with their government, etc. Their whole attitude is one of negativity & unhappiness. It comes as a surprise to them when I suggest to them that life needs to be lived in such a way that others can see that we are enjoying what we are doing. I share with them that "It's OK to enjoy what they are doing and it's OK to let others see that you are enjoying what you are doing! Loosen up a little - smile - have some fun - allow yourself to enjoy what you are doing! Of course, be responsible in the choices you make!

It's my opinion that INVOLVEMENT is a very significant element in experiencing enjoyment. And what I mean when I say, 'involvement', is becoming actively engaged and emotionally involved in whatever we are doing. Put energy, passion into whatever one is doing! Stop being a spectator in life and become a participant! Get involved! Choosing to remain on the "outside" - as a spectator - is one sure way of missing out on the enjoyment that comes through participation! Let people in your life sense that you are excited about life! And to a large degree, doesn't that sense of enjoyment come through knowing that one is actively engaged and emotionally involved in causes that are much greater than our own. Experiencing that awareness that some of the things I'm committed to and emotionally involved in are things that touches the heart of God is both tremendously rewarding & satisfying. For example, working on projects with the objective of achieving justice and fairness through mediation and or counselling, or helping the broken-hearted through grief therapy or counselling, or relieving suffering through engaging oneself in compassionate & educational projects - to name just a few of the activities that make a difference in people's lives. And, trite as it may sound, don't let 'laughter' leave your life! We all know what a delight it is to watch little children smile and laugh. It's unfortunate that as we grow older, we tend to let the circumstances of life take away our smile & laughter. Here are just a few suggestions that may be helpful in creating an atmosphere in which one can encourage one another to enjoy what they are doing.

1. Give people the freedom to brainstorm & express themselves freely without fear of being criticized or judged harshly; Allowing one another to be creative in their thinking and work can be very stimulating & encouraging.
2. Provide opportunities for informal discussion, activities and work - develop personal hobbies, and,
3. show passion, enthusiasm for the work one is doing. It's contagious!

Even Jesus when He was on earth expressed a longing for His disciples to experience completeness of joy.

"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."
John 15:11 (NIV)

Isn't it true that sometimes the simplest of experiences— like laughing, playing, and enjoying everyday life—are the easiest to overlook. Take a minute today to remember why you are what you are, and don't forget to enjoy the things you can enjoy!

Remember: You are here to make a difference!
To Be Continued - part 5