Choose your own adventure.
<p style="text-align: justify;">Growing up, I loved those books, and read them religiously.  I investigated every possible option, studied every twist and turn, until I was sure I exhausted every possible path available.  Sometimes the path ended in failure, other times with success.  As I was reading Margot Starbuck's book <em><a href="http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=3817">Small Things With Great Love - Adventures In Loving Your Neighbor</a></em>, I couldn't help but be reminded of those books from my childhood.  To be fair, it was partially because that's the format Margot uses, but more because that's the theme she employs.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In most church communities, there is this committee, that committee, and even certain scripted mission opportunities for the congregants to be involved in.  For some, these may be the perfect fit, the opportunities that 'have our name' on them.  But what about those of us who don't fit?  What about those of us who may be introverted or have young children or who, quite honestly, just aren't interested in what our church has to offer?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Margot has a suggestion.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Choose your own adventure.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It doesn't have to be as grandiose as moving halfway across the world to teach or farm.  But it can be.  It can be something as simple as getting to know child's friends' family or the people who clean your office or as simple as buying an extra bottle of water or cup of coffee for someone.  All it takes, as Margot emphasizes, is keeping your eyes open.  In the book there are over 300 examples of people across genders, ages, incomes, and living environments who kept their eyes open and found opportunities to small things.  The best part about these examples is that not a single one has to do with "bringing people to Christ".  Instead, each and every example is simply a story about someone who found a way to walk in the way of Jesus and serve their fellow man.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At the end of the book, Margot sets out six suggestions for "implementing some holy tweaking".</p>

<ol>
	<li>Do it <em>simply.</em></li>
	<li>Do it <em>creatively.</em></li>
	<li>Do it <em>courageously.</em></li>
	<li>Do it in <em>community.</em></li>
	<li>Do it with <em>integrity.</em></li>
	<li>Do it with <em>anticipation.</em></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Overall, this is a great book for learning to see where opportunities that "have your name on them" may exist.  Margot's writing style and sense of humor make this an enjoyable and easy read.  I would definitely recommend this book for just about anyone with a desire to serve those who live outside the margins, but just aren't sure how they can.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Disclaimer</strong>: Intervarsity Press provided a complimentary copy of this book to me.  I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.   I am disclosing this in accordance with the <a title="Federal Trade Commission" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Trade_Commission" rel="wikipedia">Federal Trade Commission</a>’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“<a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html">Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.</a>”</div>