I love this saying. I often say it to my children and vice versa. We giggle when we say it because it sounds so cute. When we are left to really ponder it, it has great meaning. In God's world, we are all important. No one can do the things He gifted each one of us to do. He created each one of us with meaning and purpose. At times, we may feel insignificant. How can we matter? Oh, but sweet sister, we do matter.
As mothers, we can wonder if what we are doing really makes a difference. My answer to that is a screaming "YES!" My children are growing up. They are no longer little ones needing constant attention. (Hold on while I wipe a tear from my eye...) As I watch them I realize I did, and do, make a big difference in their lives and the lives of future generations. Watching them behave kindly to a stranger, hold the door for someone, or stoop to pick something up for someone who has dropped something causes a smile to take up residence on my face. My husband and I taught them that stuff. We taught them to love others the way Jesus loves them. Now, they are giving that love away. It causes my heart to flip as I think of my future grandchildren being taught these things.
Not only do we matter in the lives of our children, we matter to God's Kingdom. Anything and everything we do means something.
I am only one,
But still I am one.
I cannot do everything;
But still I can do something;
And because I cannot do everything
I will not refuse to do the something I can do. (Edward Everett Hall)
I thought of 10 ways we can make a difference in someone's life.
1. Smile at a stranger...you never know what kind of day they are having.
2. Send a card to a friend telling her what she means to you.
3. Donate clothes to a local shelter...your clothes will provide someone with something to wear. It is likely they will not forget your generosity.
4. Tell a custodian at your child's school, the airport, or wherever you happen to be "Thank you". It feels good to be appreciated.
5. Donate food to a local food shelter...the holidays are upon us. Providing someone with a meal is a wonderful way to make a difference.
6. Sponsor a child in another country, or even in our country.
7. Volunteer at a shelter, hospital, school, etc.
8. Leave baked goods on a neighbor's doorstep with a kind note.
9. Make dinner for someone.
10. Pay for the person's coffee standing in line behind you the next time you visit a coffee shop.
If you still don't think you alone can make a difference in our world, consider this statement by Michelle Walker:
If you think you're too small to make a difference, you've obviously never been in a bed with a mosquito.
YOU matter. Go out into this wonderful world and change a life. God is cheering His girl on!
