As I loaded dishes into the dishwasher, I sang along with
the radio. My grandson looked up from the picture he was coloring and said,
"Grandma, there's one thing about you that I don't like." Anticipating what he
was going to say, I asked, "What? That I sing all the time?"
"No," he answered, "It's not how much you sing, it's how BAD you sing."
Once again, I was reminded that God did not bless me with a good singing voice.
I used to wish that I were a wonderful singer, so I could entertain thousands of
adoring fans packed into crowded stadiums. In reality, my singing can't even
please one six year old.
I also used to wish I were a great orator. I've always envied people who could
speak eloquently. I have trouble completing a sentence that can be understood by
a preschooler.
I may not possess the talents I would have preferred to be born with, but I
still have the ability to change the world . . . And so do you! Changing the
world doesn't require wealth, talent, or a huge investment of time. Right now,
you (yes you), with your current limitations and abilities, have tremendous
power to impact others.
Don't believe me? Have you ever had a day in which everything you touched went
wrong? When you were at the end of your rope, did someone speak a kind word or
help you out? Do you remember how it warmed your heart and perked up your
spirit? Small, loving acts make a profound difference. Everyone longs to feel
noticed and appreciated. That's why it means so much when someone surprises us
with a simple act of caring. It assures us that we matter.
Discouraged people are everywhere. They need you. Don't overlook opportunities
to make a difference in someone's life. A smile, a note, or a phone call won't
take much effort, but they can make someone's day. Not only will your kindness
be appreciated by the recipient and rewarded by God, but it will enrich your own
life too. Many folks say, "I'm just one person. I can't make a difference." If
you've ever been on the receiving end of a hug just when it's needed, you know
one person's concern is powerful. Do you compare your contribution to a tiny
drop of water in the huge ocean? Mother Theresa's view was that the ocean would
be less without that one drop.
There could be no mountains, if not for the tiny grains of sand from which the
mountains are made. Little things pack a big punch. Encouragement takes only a
moment to give but it delivers an important message of love and concern to the
recipient, and it could last a lifetime. Your empathy and time can lessen
someone's load and make their life journey easier.
We may not speak like Billy Graham or sing like Frank Sinatra, but we each have
our own unique talents. Have you considered that you may be exactly what someone
desperately needs?
Open your heart. Show you care. Share a little love.
Marsha Jordan hugsandhope@gmail.com
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.