How can one person make a difference? Haven’t you heard that said numerous times? Maybe you’ve even said it yourself. So often, we see and hear about the evil and misfortune in the world and it can feel overwhelming. As if evil is winning over good. But you never know when something you do will have an impact that reverberates across the country – or the world.
Just a Waitress
During the government shutdown, military personnel felt the effects in their paychecks. One waitress in New Hampshire understood that feeling. After all, she was living on a modest salary. Two soldiers came in and ordered lunch at one of the waitress’ tables. After they finished eating, the waitress sent a note saying that lunch was on her to thank them for serving their country.
You’ve probably heard the story, how she was repaid with a big check for $10,000. But it is all too easy to overlook the rest of the story. She didn’t know she would be rewarded for her choice. She was a single mother, working hard to make ends meet. How much difference would it make to pay for someone’s lunch? Little did she know that the one simple act would impact a nation once it heard her story. It would inspire others to do good deeds, acts of kindness.
The Impact of the Internet
Thanks to the Internet and social media in particular, many things you do can become public. You never know when someone will see or hear about something you do and post it for all of the world to see. How did everyone hear about the waitress and her act of kindness? It was posted on the National Guard’s Facebook page.
Have you seen stories go viral? Videos of people – or even animals – doing big things. Stories of bravery, kindness, grace. What if you knew that someone was watching you all of the time? Would you be more aware of those around you that need to receive an act of kindness? The truth is that you never know who may be watching, who may be inspired by what you do more than what you say. You never know when someone may need to hear an encouraging word or receive a meal when they don’t have money to buy their own.
No one is insignificant in God’s eyes. He sees what you do and will take those actions and multiple them in ways you can’t even imagine. While you may never see the end result of a good deed or thoughtful action or word, know that it didn’t go unnoticed. God saw it and others just might, too.
