Little Things Make a Big Difference
As I mourn the loss of a dear friend, I realize that the memories that bring me the most grief are the simple moments of a smile from her, the straight-forward advice that was dispensed in a half-minute, a touch of her hand or a look of concern. It’s the little things that happened that made the difference in our relationship. It’s the little things that occurred that bring on the most tears now that she’s gone. Little acts of kindness made a big impact on our relationship.
Yesterday I found 5 tiny blue, speckled eggs that had been blown, along with a nest, onto the lawn. When I showed them to my daughters, there were serious discussions about beauty, life and injustice. Admiring the lovely color of the eggs and wanting to warm them to try to revive what life might have existed within while feeling the anger about how unfair it was that they didn’t have the chance for survival, we chatted about life’s twists & turns. Significant thoughts from tiny eggs.
This reminds me about something that I saw happen in the NYC Macy’s Christmas department last November… After one of the clerks assisted two gentlemen they asked her name. She inquired, “why do you want to know my name?”, in a tone that reflected skepticism. “Well”, said one of the men, “I want to write to Macy’s and tell them how wonderful you’ve been!” She looked disbelieving, smiled broadly then stated, “My name is Caitlin.” (This is not her real name.) After an assurance that the happy customers would write to Macy’s in praise of her work, she began seeking out other people that may need help. When she approached each one she began by saying, “Hi! I’m Caitlin. I’ll be glad to help you if you’re looking for anything here in the Christmas Shop!” How amazing that a tiny act of goodwill spread so much more kindness in New York City that day. Maybe even changing that young lady’s image of service forever.
We don’t always know how our small actions will change others, (for the good or the bad). I guess that’s why it’s so important in our dealings that we do our best to maintain a spirit of acting for the greater good. We’ll never do it right every time. After all, we’re only human. But it can’t hurt to try and try again.
It will be our attempts at goodness, (no matter how small), that will make the biggest difference in our families, with our colleagues, in our companies and communities… thereby affecting our nation and world.
I’ll pray for strength & wisdom to reflect the incredible love & goodness of God in the 86,400 tiny seconds I’m given today. Maybe my attempts will make a difference.