I could have made a difference
Broken shells littered the beach as I took my morning walk. The ocean continued to retreat from its peak inland journey, but high winds overnight had added to items washed ashore. Along my walking path, jellyfish lay quivering in the sand. I could have made a difference in their survival by finding a way to put them back into the ocean.
But I didn’t.
I had all sorts of excuses . . .
- I don’t know how
- There’s nothing for me to use to pick them up
- I might get stung
- Should I even try?
- Maybe someone else will do it
Are these the reasons I don’t always reach out to others when I see a need?
We all make a difference in our interactions with others. Sometimes we offer help, encouragement, and hope. At other times we ignore the need and don’t intervene. Perhaps we tell ourselves we don’t know what to do or reason that someone else is better able to assist. Ignoring the person in need still makes a difference in their lives—it increases their belief that no one cares.
Can we make a positive difference?
For many years I taught at the college level, working with students who planned to be teachers. One of my most important missions, I viewed, was making sure my students knew they could made a difference in the lives of their students. Then my goal became to instill them with the purpose of making positive impact on the lives of every student.
In one of his Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Jack Canfield includes a story of a man who observed another man on the beach picking up stranded starfish on the shore and tossing them back into the water. The observer questioned the rescuer’s actions, implying it was impossible to make a difference with so many starfish scattered along the beach.
The rescuer picked up another starfish and tossed it into the ocean. His response was, “I made a difference to that one.”
I often read this story to my classes with the reminder, “You can make a difference to that one.”
Jesus reminded His followers of the importance of the one.
“See that you do not despise any of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:10-14, NIV)
I can make a difference.
We can make a difference.
Each day we have the opportunity to have a positive impact on someone’s life.
- Share a smile
- Open a door for someone
- Call a shut-in
- Send a card to someone who is sick or grieving
- Contribute a donation to a non-profit that helps those in need
- Praise a coworker, friend, or family member for a job well done
- Volunteer
- Share encouragement
Can you think of other ways? Please share in the comments.
Can we change, “I could have made a difference” to “I made a positive difference today?”
Good post, Katherine! I think we can choose the staffed checkout lane instead of the self-checkout lane, and then ask the cashier how he/she is doing. It’s amazing how often we’re tempted to spend the whole checkout time looking down, checking our phones, etc.
Your suggestion is wonderful. I agree completely, Priscilla. Sharing a smile with the cashier, receptionist, or anyone in the public, can send them a boost of encouragement and a ray of sunshine. Thanks so much for sharing.
“Ignoring the person in need still makes a difference in their lives—it increases their belief that no one cares.” What a powerful statement, Katherine! Thank you.
Thank you, Diana, for taking a moment to read my post and sharing encouragement. Wishing you a blessed week.
Look people in the eye when speaking. Letting someone know you are truly listening and hearing them can be a bright spot in the day. 🙂 Have a blessed week! 🙂
Melissa, you share sunshine and encouragement with your smile. I know you bring joy to those with whom you interact. Thank you for living out the Fruit of the Spirit and for sharing an action we can all do to brighten someone’s day. Blessings!
Showing a genuine interest when engaging in conversation with others is a way to make a difference. Katherine, thanks for this interesting and though provoking post.
I agree, Lisa. When listening, we need to be attentive and engaged. That shows we truly care for the person we’re speaking with. Thanks so much for sharing a wonderful action that can make a positive difference in the lives of others.
I love Priscilla’s idea of seeking out contact with individuals, rather than avoiding it. Eye contact is important, too.
Great post!
I’m thrilled that many responses have been shared that are so helpful in letting others know we care for them. Thank you, Candyce, and everyone’s great suggestions. We’ll send sunshine and joy to many. Peace and blessings!
Every small thing we do for others makes a difference, even if we can’t see it at the time. Just knowing that someone cares can turn a person around.
You are right, Barbara! Small things are BIG and can really make a difference in someone’s life. Letting someone know we care is life changing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Peace and blessings!
Great point Katherine. I pray I can make more differences to those around me and those I meet.
I join you in that prayer, Yvonne. There are always opportunities to make a positive impact in the lives of others, even casual interactions with strangers. I’ve heard of those who pray before entering a store or business, that they might meet someone who needs encouragement and a kind word. Like you, they pray for God to put then the path of someone in need. Thank you for sharing that wonderful thought–and action.
Great reminder that we make a difference by ignoring opportunities too.
It sounds unloving when we put it that way, but it’s true. If we’re overburdened and exhausted, we can’t accomplish what God would have us do in loving others. Thank you for pointing out our “business” is often our choice (I’m guilty!)