Sometimes I feel really small in the world.
It's easy to look at people around me who are accomplishing big things and think that in the game of life, I'm barely even a player. That I don't really touch many lives. That my daily actions don't matter.
But I was reminded the other day that we do make a difference, no matter how small we think our lives may be.
I live less than a mile from a large grocery store, so I frequent it often, as do the other families in the area. After living here for 12 years, I've had a lot of contact with the people who run the cash registers in that store. Chatted with them. Had them help me with my purchases.
One of my favorites was Tony. Tony always had a smile on his face and a pleasant word to say. Sadly, Tony passed away the day before New Year's, a sudden heart attack claiming his life. Word has traveled fast through our school community, and we have all expressed our sadness and shock. His fellow employees have shut down his checkstand and placed a memorial in his spot. We are all affected by his passing. And I would imagine that he touched far more lives than he ever realized.
How many of us would honestly think we were making a difference if we worked as a checker at the local store? Did he find a sense of purpose going in to work each day, or did he believe that his life wasn't making a difference?
Our reaction to his passing reminds me that no matter the size the shadow of our lives creates, we do have the opportunity to touch people every day. A kind word, a smile, a helping hand - these things do matter. We can let our light shine no matter what we are doing - whether the action is big or small, for hundreds of people or for only one.
Our lives are only small if we believe them to be.
So sorry to hear about Tony. Many people touch my life that will never know they have. Hopefully I can return the favor every now and then. Thanks for this post.
ReplyDeletesometimes, only death reminds us just how much we live... how true it is that they are two sides of the same coin.
ReplyDeletehow true... "Our lives are only small if we believe them to be"... I will carry that with me today.
I am really sorry to hear about your loss. It is really amazing how we sort of take our lives and the people in them for granted.
ReplyDeleteWhen I go through a "How significant is my life" phase, I usually end up volunteering somewhere.... it really makes me feel good about myself.
Great post.