Little Things Matter

How do I make a difference?

When I was younger, I used to spend a lot of time wondering how I could ‘change the world’. I thought about everything from raising millions of dollars to help homeless people to writing a bestselling novel that would bring thousands to Christ.

Neither of those things have happened, (yet 😉), but now, a few years older, I’ve concluded that not all differences have to be world breaking news level big. Curious about what I mean?

Well, think about it like this.

Little things we do every day can make a difference in somebody else’s life. For instance, say you show up to a grocery store, and instead of scrolling on your phone while the cashier is ringing up your frozen pizza, you talk to her. You ask the cashier about her day, and as you finally walk away, the cashier is smiling, because someone took the time to ask her if she was doing alright.

Confused?

Understandable.

It took me a bit to catch on myself. For instance, I was working at a fast food job and for the first few months, I was nervous. I barely spoke to the customers, because I was too busy focusing on not messing anything up.

Now, after working there a bit, I became quick at my job and my interactions with the customers started to get longer. I’d smile at them, ask how they were doing, and just try to be a pleasant person altogether.

I didn’t realize that being friendly made a difference until people started mentioning how they loved seeing someone so cheerful. Another thing I realized was that my smile was contagious. People started smiling back at me.

Now did I save the world?

Nope.

Did I brighten a handful of people’s days?

Absolutely.

And that’s a good thing. That means I’m making a difference, even if it’s on such a tiny level.

So what can you do?

If you think hard enough, I’m sure you can concoct a plan to do something to help others. Maybe it’s something as simple as doing the dishes so your mom can relax. Or perhaps you can take your dog for a walk and greet any strangers who pass.

Volunteer at your church! Talk to your pastor and see if they need any help with VBS or children’s ministries. See if you can help out some of the elderly people in your church by picking up sticks or making them a meal!

Get out there and make a difference…one smile at a time!  

-D.P.

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