But changing the world for the better can also come in the most simple and personal ways -- the prayerful power of love that we can all unleash, love that profoundly changes one heart at a time. Indeed, this is the most significant because love beautifies, ennobles and inspires. It plants character and loyalty that grow deep roots, roots that extend through the generations.
One doesn't need to be a politician to change the world. Or an inventor or a business tycoon or a general or an author or a philosopher. One needs only to serve others in the compelling power of love. Thus parents and grandparents, friends and neighbors, intercessors and caregivers are changing the world every day as they invest their time, their touch, their creativity in the lives of the individuals they graciously serve.
They produce the most lovely and lasting change of all.
Let me share a brief example that Claire and I were honored to witness yesterday. Dick and Jan Loneman have been our friends for several years. We share with them cultural interests (especially music), pro-life activism and our commitment to Jesus Christ Who is our Savior. They are are an extremely engaging couple whose love of family has always been an inspiration to us.
Well, while sidewalk counseling together a couple of weeks ago, Dick described a "Grandkids' Gala" that was fast coming up. This is a family party, designed particularly to show their 12 grandchildren a rollicking good time with food, carnival games, prizes and a whole lot of fun. It has become an annual party (this the third time) and every year it has become bigger, better...and more work! For the Loneman's grand carnival occurs right there on their lawn and all the games and activities are home-grown.
I was really intrigued with the idea and thought it one of the neatest ways to love on your grandkids (and your kids too) that I had heard. In fact, I must have been enthusiastic enough to garner an invitation to come check it out and when Dick called yesterday and asked if Claire and I would like to stop by, he didn't need to convince us.
We knew before we arrived that the event takes a lot of effort. But we were still a bit overwhelmed when we saw the whole layout. Ring toss. Floating ducks. A nifty water race game. A fishing station where kids cast their line over a decorated wall for prizes. Balloon darts. Prizeboard. Penny guessing contest. Lunch. Pop. And a whole lot more. Wow.And did I mention the clown doing the most exquisite face-painting? (Our old buddy and pro-life colleague Kris Schwarz -- aka "Giggles" -- was on hand, looking terrific in her floppy shoes and making the kids look terrific too.)
No doubt about it; producing a family carnival like this takes a lot of work. But then changing the world one kid, one family at a time isn't easy. But love serves and love wins out. And it was as obvious as the bold red Spiderman face on one of the boys that Dick and Jan love doing this. Dick and Jan's kids are grateful and enthusiastic for all the attention shown to their children. And the grandkids themselves are absolutely thrilled with the exciting novelty of the event, the special sense of privilege (this whole thing is just for us!) and, of course, all the fun.
And being on a corner lot, the whole neighborhood gets a lesson in how to really throw a party!
It was a grand event, a really memorable experience for all involved.
And it was a touching example of the power of love -- creative, detailed, beautiful, fun and world-changing love. Way to go, guys.
