I attended a Veteran’s Day program this morning. The guest speaker said these words that prompted this post,
“I believe I can make a difference.”
Silently and wholeheartedly, I agreed with her.
I believe I can make a difference, too.
Why do I think so? I believe God put me on this earth, not to take up space or to trudge along in life, but to make a difference in my corner of the world. Why do I believe this? Because Jesus tells me so.
And you, beloved, are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. Similarly it would be silly to light a lamp and then hide it under a bowl. When someone lights a lamp, she puts it on a table or a desk or a chair, and the light illumines the entire house. You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it. Matthew 5:14-16 VOICE
It’s true, I’m only one person, but I have a choice every day–and every moment in it–to shine the light that’s within me. Not for my sake, but for others and for God. Some days I do this well, and other days, I fall short.
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” –Edward Everett Hale
I imagine you’d agree, there’s many of things out of our control in this world, and there’s a whole lot of doom and gloom in it. There are situations and problems you and I can’t change, and with all the hurt and heartache around us, a little light can make all the difference.
I desire to shine light.
I was reminded recently of encouraging words spoken by John Wesley. They speak deeply to my heart in this matter.
“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”
You and I may not have celebrity status where we influence the masses, but no matter where we are in this life, we can shine light and do good, which makes a difference.
I believe we each can shine light, do good, and make a difference, right where we are.
We can choose to:
–bring a smile to another’s face.
–make someone else’s world better by being in it.
–be the encouragement someone needs.
–lead our children by example.
–love when it’s not easy.
–help another who is struggling.
–pray with and for others.
–be a help and not a hurt.
–light the path for the next one.
–share the truth of Jesus.
–do good, by all means, in all ways, in all places, at all times, to all people, as long as we can.
Friend, how are you making a difference today? What’s one way you are shining your light? What good are you doing in your corner of the world? Me? I’m smiling, and writing, and encouraging those around me.
You make a difference to me. Thank you!
Blessings!
Julie
Linking this post with Crystal and Deb.
Looking for more?
Enter your email to instantly access my FREE RESOURCES - exclusively for my readers!
Your information is safe with me and will never be shared.
So, so good! I read your quote “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do” somewhere recently and was really moved. It can be ridiculously overwhelming when we think of ALL that has to be done, but when we consider the one thing, whatever that might be, and act on it… we DO make a difference—even if it is to just one person. Simple yet profound! Thanks for the reminder today. Stopping by from #CountingMyBlessings 🙂
Hi Laura! It sure can get overwhelming at times. But you’re right… one thing can make a difference. I appreciate you stopping in to share. Hope you’re having a blessed weekend!
Julie, this is perfect timing for me! Tomorrow my students will be writing an essay in class and the topic is, “Can one person make a difference?” Can I share your quote above with my students? It will be perfect to start our discussion!
Hi Kristine! Yes, of course you can share it. I’d love to hear how it goes! How is this school year going for you? I think of you often, friend! Bless you.
Julie, I think we fall short so many times by thinking our little bit is meaningless, and your reminder is profound! We may never know the difference we have made while on earth, but I like to think we will all be moved in heaven when we see how God took our tiny offerings and sacrifices and multiplied them beyond what we could ever imagine. Thanks for your call to not grow weary in doing good!
It’s a reminder I need to live out daily. God can use all we offer and sacrifice for Him, even if it appears small on our end. I appreciate your words of prompting and encouragement. Love the community you are building at your space! Thanks for including me. Blessings!