Making a Difference

Sometimes we don't feel like we make a difference; sometimes we do. Having a pity party for myself lately.  My health conditions causing me pain, got to watch what I eat, how I eat, etc., etc., etc., Then, I realize: Despite what I am going through, I can make a difference. Not everyday is a bad day. There are good days. Am I, or could I or have I  made  a difference to someone? Yes!  

Making a quick  mental list, I thought:  The neighbor girls who happily shriek my name as I walk by their house; the neighbor's dog, who though, barks roughly, contently wags her tail, lets me pet her, and then happily walks away when I'm done.  The students I have taught art to, and  inspired through the years; Lending a listening ear to a friend who is going through a painful and hurtful divorce.  Helping my husband in one of his wacky and not-so-good thinking days to find something, or to make a simple sandwich for his lunch.  Sharing a bowl of soup, bread and butter with a hungry child. Sending a card, or calling a friend just to say hi and how you doing, and them saying thanks for caring.  Sharing on my blog.  The list is infinite. 

My little thought calendar says for December 13, "Being what you want to do now...We have only this moment, sparking like a star in our hand--and melting like a snowflake."  Marie Beynon Ray. Being kind and doing things for others has no season. Need is everywhere. Being blessed, I want to share. I want to make a difference. Do you?

The lesson part of this is:  Take an empty jar, can, or even a large envelope, and decorate it. How you do it, is up to you. Paint, collage, etc. Make a label for it, that says:  HOW I MADE A DIFFERENCE.   Take colored slips of paper, or plain paper will work. Draw a picture or write what you did in a few sentences to make a difference. Put the strips in the container. DO NOT READ THEM AGAIN until the end of the month. You will be surprised to find that you have made a difference in someone's life.  Anyone can do this.  You don't have to wait until a new month to start. Start now. Like the quote above says,  we only have this moment....get started now.