The phrase, “TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE” is often heard. People talk about wanting to in some way make life better, help or improve the way we live. For many people this is an everyday habit that they don’t even think about.  It is a way of life.

There are many ways to make a difference. 1) Two businesses merged to fulfill a contract.  In early discussions, the phrase “TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE” was often heard. This new organization didn’t just want to make a profit; they wanted to positively impact people’s lives – whether they were employees or the individuals benefitting from the service.  2) Joan was almost 50 years young, just finishing her first college degree. She kept getting this nudge to continue her education, and finally came to understand that it was not just getting a higher degree, it was how she could serve with those credentials.  She saw her mission as a ministry – a way to help others. 3) Billy had a heart so big that it almost burst in his chest.  He was always taking care of someone who was down-and-out.  He mentored kids who needed to find their way, even offering them shelter in his home until they were strong enough to move on. 4)  Sharon was a rock. Everyone in her department knew that if you needed someone, she was the go-to person. She handled multiple tasks with ease and was always willing to stop what she was doing to help with a bureaucratic tangle. 5)  Mentors in an elementary school schedule time with a specific child once a week.  They follow this student from grade to grade and each year and help them with academics or personal growing pains. This becomes their kid – and they want to make a difference for this child. 6) A neighbor tells of young friend who calls or checks on her every few days. There is family, but they live at a distance and this young friend has become family – someone who reaches out because she cares.

The stories could go on and on.  The point is that there are many ways to make a difference. Some are very visible, but most are small kindnesses, under the radar, yet very powerful. We don’t always know how our actions might impact another person, an outcome or an event.  Just like a pebble hitting water, the ripples move through the lake and influence in ways we cannot predict. Whether our efforts are in an organization or with an individual, we make a difference just by caring enough to make a difference. Often the ripples are paid forward in ways that are never known.  Our support strengthens someone else and they in turn help the next person.  When we are the pebble, it also changes us because we have simply given of ourselves – from the heart.

So to all you caring folks, thank you for being you! Your big heart is much appreciated!  Please keep on shining your light on this world starved for your loving energy! Many blessings to you!