I was having a conversation with someone yesterday about how they had been impacted by the movie, Beyond Borders. We talked about how it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the problems that we can observe in the world, and in the process to remain stuck in doing nothing. However, I often bring to my mind the story of the man who was on the beach throwing starfish back into the ocean. The beach had so many starfish lying on the sand that this was a daunting task. Someone came along and asked why the man was bothering since there were so many that he would not be able to help. The man picked up another star fish, threw it into the ocean and replied, “Made a difference to that one!”
I know that I can not save the whole world. That’s not my job, nor is that the point! What I can do, however, is pay attention to the thoughts and ideas that come into my mind to make a difference with what may be right in front of me.
Some things may seem simple and insignificant. For example, I have decided that it is important for us to purchase organic, local produce whenever possible. Not only is this healthier for all of us, but it also supports the local farmers who are dedicated to growing produce in life-sustaining ways by honoring Mother Earth. In addition, I have been working on being more conscious of the food that I already have in my refrigerator. As I eat what I have, not allowing “green fuzz” to grow on food that I have wasted, I use and appreciate the food that has come my way!
I have felt compelled to help children in need, both locally and globally. Each Christmas our church, Unity in Edinboro, contributes christmas gifts to local Erie children. We have been doing this since 2001 when a simple phone call inquired, “Can you help?” This past spring, I followed an inner urge and contacted El-Puente in Costa Rica to see how we could support their project helping the local Bri Bri families. With the support of the congregation at Unity in Edinboro, we were able to gather a suitcase full of needed supplies, plus gifts of love filled stuffed animals, that my husband and I carted all around Costa Rica during our recent vacation so that we could personally deliver them to Barry and Nanci Stevens. The Bri Bri children loved the gifts we were able to bring, and joy shone on their faces.
At the start of the Iraq war, a friend that I had met online was lamenting that she could find no one to send support boxes to the military stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Here again was an example of something that arrived “in my lap” if you will. Again, our congregation came through, and we sent several boxes filled with supplies, love, peace and joy to some people who were far from home and in need of encouragement.
These are just a few of the ways that I have asked, “What is mine to do?” I have had ideas that came to my mind, followed through, and made a small difference in the world. If there is some challenge that moves you, whether local or global, I would encourage you to ask this simple question, “What is mine to do?” One person can make a difference.
A few weeks ago my sister had a post on Facebook which stated: “You cannot do all the good the world needs, but the world needs all the good you can do!” This is what we are talking about here…”Made a difference to that one!”
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August 14th, 2009 - 2:57 pm
Congrats for jumping on the “buy local and organic” train. I too think this is very important. For me it started out selfishly trying to buy the healthiest and best for my family and myself; but I have since discovered how important it is to the “green movement”. Cutting out meat for one or two meals a week has a tremendous impact on our environment also. Reusable bags for groceries is another. Last year I replaced all the bulbs in my house with the higher efficiency kind, if the fixture allowed. Along with this new awareness there is the ever-present gratitude for all we have and a desire to honor it by being good stewards. Every one of these changes seems. at first, to require some sacrifice. But, on closer look there is always a bigger and better (personal) blessing attached:
buying local and organic costs a little more and is less convenient but it is healthier and the taste in many cases is better, fresher.
cutting out some meat meals – requires planning and thought – but the benefits in weight reduction, cholestrol lowering and finding new, favorite foods are worth it.
Resuable bags – You have to pay for them and remember to use them but they hold so much more and are way easier to carry and some are even insulated!
Light bulbs – initial cost is high, but savings over a year is considerable and in the case of my bathroom mirror lights (8 of them) the heat generated is much less and I am not perspiring after putting on my makeup. But my favorite is that when I flip the switch in the a.m. they do not blast me with 480 watts but come on softly and turn up gradually.
And so (nothing new here) when we try to do what is right and responsible and have an attitude of gratitude, we can’t help but attract EVEN MORE blessings. It is just the way that Spirit works!
Love and Blessings
June 28th, 2010 - 8:15 am
I really like when people are expressing their opinion and thought. So I like the way you are writing