You can make a difference in this life in so many ways and it doesn’t depend only on doing huge things.

When we think about finding our calling or our life’s purpose, it’s easy to get caught up in these huge visions. We think that it has to be something along the lines of what Gandhi or Mother Teresa accomplished in their lifetimes. If you think that your purpose has to be this all-encompassing lifelong body of work, it’s easy to get discouraged and never get off to a start in the first place. And no wonder… that type of “goal” is overwhelming and seems unattainable.

Today is day 7 of our 30 Days to A Life With Purpose.

Why Your Purpose Doesn't Have to Be Huge to Make A Difference - 30 Days to A Life With Purpose

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The good news is that you don’t have to dedicate your entire life to your calling. It doesn’t have to be this all-consuming thing.  You can make a real difference on a small scale that will help those around you and give you the benefits of living a purpose driven life. Keep that in mind as you go on this journey of discovering, and fine-tuning your purpose and then living a purpose-driven life.

Let me share a few simple little examples with you of things that can be done with purpose that make a real difference to the people it touches. None of these is a huge project, none takes a lot of time or money, but they all have a noticeable impact, particularly over time. More important than finding a huge purpose or calling is to live your life going forward with purpose and intention.

Make A Difference By Spending Quality Time With Your Spouse And Kids

Our lives are hectic and busy. Often we don’t spend any quality time with our loved ones. Instead, we race from commitment to commitment, cramming in a few meals and a bit of parenting here and there before collapsing on the couch and mindlessly watching TV. Become more intentional and purposeful in how you spend time with your family. Set aside pockets of time each day to give them your full attention. Plan some fun outings and activities and truly reconnect with the people who are most important to you.

If you struggle with finding time to spend quality time with your family, perhaps you need to get out of your busy mom schedule, evaluate your routines,  and make over your mornings or evenings.

Make A Difference By Creating And Sharing Care Packages For The Homeless

Grab some gallon-sized Ziploc bags, head to the dollar store and put together small care packages for the homeless. Include a few personal hygiene products, some nonperishable food, and maybe a pair of socks or a hat. Keep them in your car and hand them out to homeless people you come across.

This is a project your kids will be thrilled to participate and you can also invite friends and family to be part of. Ask each one to donate some of those items and you will all be able to make an even bigger difference.

Make A Difference By Adopting A Soldier or A Missionary

Make the day of a soldier or missionary overseas with a monthly letter and small care package. Google “adopt a soldier” to learn more and to find a soldier or unit you can connect with. Ask your local church how you can adopt a missionary and learn about their needs so you can pray for him, write cards with encouraging words and send care packs as well.

I would never forget the cards and care packages I received while serving as a missionary overseas. I remember clearly one box I received from a lady in Brazil, I never met. It was Christmastime and inside this box, there was a container with homemade cookies she baked, a sweater she knitted, and a few books she bought for me. I was in tears! Someone I never met was praying for me and cared for me. Ten years later, that lady’s gesture, still makes a difference in my life.

Make A Difference By Decluttering Your Home And Downsizing Your Possessions

Let’s bring it back home for this last example. Living with purpose is all about living intentionally. Why not declutter your home and downsize your possessions, in general, to make sure you have time, space, and finances to do so? Donate what you don’t need any longer and see how much more free you feel when you’re no longer weight down by all this extra “stuff”. Your extra might be someone’s lack and you will make a difference in their life too by giving it away.

Notice that living a purpose driven life doesn’t always mean going out in the community and improving the lives of others. Another aspect that’s just as important (and should, in fact, come first) of living with purpose is to do so when it comes to your personal life and your home. Start there and then branch out toward the world at large. There are many ways to make a difference, start with small gestures wherever you are.

Friend, do you know someone who will enjoy this free challenge? Please share this post and invite them to sign up today! If you haven’t signed up yet, sign up now.

Read the 30 Days to A Life With Purpose posts here:

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Make A Difference

My Favorite Tool For A Life With Purpose

The Beyond Blessed Life Planner is the best tool to help you be more inspired, organized and purposeful this year! Download your dated or undated printable planner here.

Make A Difference 2018 Beyond Blessed Life Planner - Finding Your Purpose

Books I Recommend About Finding Your Purpose on Amazon

Life on Purpose: How Living for What Matters Most Changes EverythingLife on Purpose: How Living for What Matters Most Changes EverythingThe Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?Life Purpose Boot Camp: The 8-Week Breakthrough Plan for Creating a Meaningful LifeLife Purpose Boot Camp: The 8-Week Breakthrough Plan for Creating a Meaningful LifeWhat On Earth Am I Here For? Study Guide (The Purpose Driven Life)What On Earth Am I Here For? Study Guide (The Purpose Driven Life)Living Life on Purpose: Discovering God's Best for Your LifeLiving Life on Purpose: Discovering God’s Best for Your LifeThe Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven Life: Scriptures and Reflections from the 40 Days of PurposeDaily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven Life: Scriptures and Reflections from the 40 Days of Purpose