As I watched
the online streaming of the funeral of a prominent man in history I was touched
by the stories of how many lives he had impacted for good. He was the President
of my son’s University for decades. He had been an integral part of the Civil
Rights Movement alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He had helped get food and
supplies to war torn countries. He had advised United States Presidents, met
with Popes and led a University with the standards of God. Throughout his
funeral many people spoke of how his kindness, grace and action had impacted
their personal lives.
At the end
of each day I’d like to be able to crawl into bed with the peaceful knowledge
that in some small way I made the world a better place for someone. I want to
know that I have made a difference somehow. Having a positive impact doesn’t
have to be some grand gesture. I may not be able to travel around the world and
stamp out all hunger and poverty and violence, but that doesn’t mean I am
powerless to make a difference in the lives of others. I can begin with
something as simple as a smile to brighten someone’s day. I can say an
acknowledgement of “hello” to let someone know that matter enough to be
noticed. I can offer a helping hand to someone in need of assistance. I can
listen with a sympathetic ear or speak a reassuring word of wisdom and comfort.
There are heavy hearts all around us in our everyday sphere of interaction just
waiting for someone to care and reach out. God help me not to be so inwardly
focused that I am no outwardly good to the world around me. There is joy in living outwardly.
Philippians 2:4, 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
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