I was recently reading a book about the American Dream and how it has crept into our lives in seemingly dangerous ways. The components of success and strength and building a beautiful life may not be all bad at first sight, but we can easily be swept up in them.

A moment came where I realized that the negative parts of the American Dream have weaseled their ways into my everyday habits. Consumerism, self-focused perspective, and narrow thinking are sadly reflected in my actions, and I want to change that.

I want to change my consumerist mindset that convinces me I need another coffee from the coffee shop when those three dollars could be saved away to help feed someone else in my hometown or across the world. My belly is full, my thirst is quenched. What does it look like to forfeit my caffeine indulgence even once a week for the sake of someone else living another day by my providing them food or care with my money?

I want to adjust my self-focused perspective that makes me numb to the hurts of those I know or might not even be acquainted with. My life is full with love being poured into me, surely I can pour out. What does it look like for me to take an extra couple of minutes each day to press into the needs of others or be a listening ear to someone normally unheard?

I want to expand my thinking so I won't be so narrow-minded. My mind contains so many of my own beliefs and world perspective that I should make room to hear and understand those of the people I find myself conversing with during my day. What would it look like for me to open up my mind and unlearn some of the things that have led me astray in the past?

What would it look like for each of us to embrace these three challenges in three areas of our negative American Dream and turn them into the American Mission? Turn coffee into sustenance. Turn self-focus into compassion. Turn our narrow thoughts into broad perspectives.

Take the challenge.