TCH: Population 2

"My Own Little World" by Matthew West

In my own little world it hardly ever rains. I've never gone hungry, always felt safe. I got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet. In my own little world: population -- me.

I try to stay awake during Sunday morning church. I throw a twenty in the plate but I never give 'til it hurts. And I turn off the news when I don't like what I see. It's easy to do when its population -- me.

What if there's a bigger picture? What if I'm missing out? What if there's a greater purpose? I could be living right now Outside my own little world.

Stopped at a red light, looked out my window. I saw a cardboard sign said, "Help this homeless widow". And just above that sign was the face of a human. I thought to myself, "God, what have I been doing?" So I rolled down the window and I looked her in the eye. Oh, how many times have I just passed her by? I gave her some money then I drove on through. And my own little world reached population two

What if there's a bigger picture? What if I'm missing out? What if there's a greater purpose? I could be living right now Outside my own little world, ooh, my own little world, ooh.

Father, break my heart for what breaks Yours. Give me open hands and open doors. Put Your light in my eyes and let me see That my own little world is not about me.

What if there's a bigger picture? What if I'm missing out? What if there's a greater purpose? That I could be living right now.

I don't wanna miss what matters. I wanna be reaching out. Show me the greater purpose So I can start living right now. Outside my own little world, my own little world, my own little world.

I really enjoy listening to this song. The lyrics to it really make me think. Most of the time, I do live in my own little world. I am too me focused or focused on my family. I forget there are others out there that are hurting or in need. Let's try to break free of our own little world and love others the way Jesus wants us to love.

This swap is all about taking notice of the people around us and loving and helping those we can. You do not have to spend a penny to help someone or to make them smile. Maybe you have an elderly neighbor who is lonely and would love some company or a neighbor who would like some help planting flowers. Do you know someone who could use some cheer by receiving a letter or note from you? Is there a mom you know who could use a couple hours for herself that you could babysit for?

You can be a blessing to another person. You don't have to know someone to help them or cheer them up. Sometimes the cashier at the store is having a bad day and you may cheer her up with a positive attitude and a few nice words. Maybe you could donate food or clothing to a local shelter. The list of ways to help people is endless. Every person and their situation is different.

I named this swap population 2 because of the song. When he helped the widow, his world went from population 1 to population 2. I hope that we can all help someone this month and our own little world reach population 2 or 3 or 10 or more!

For this swap, you will send your partner a letter (at least 2 pages). You can write about the song I mentioned and how it made you feel or what you did to show your love to someone else. You may write about a time that someone blessed you. This swap is really about encouraging each other to help people in need, to love others and not be so focused on ourselves. Just write your partner a nice letter about loving others.