Back in 2004 when my little brother Brian was getting ready to go out and serve an LDS mission, he shared the following story:
An old man was strolling along a beach one day. In the distance he saw a young boy and girl reach down, pick something up and throw it back into the sea.
Drawing nearer, he saw that the sand was littered with thousands of small stranded sand dollars. The children were patiently picking them up, one at a time, and returning them to safety below the water.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Saving sand dollars," replied the children as they continued about the job at hand.
The old man, somewhat jaded by age, thought the children's actions were futile.
"But the beach is littered with dying sand dollars. What possible difference can you make by doing this?"
The young girl bent over, picked up another, and threw it with all her might. With a plop the sand dollar sank safely below the water. Then, turning to the old man, she said with all the wisdom of a child:
"I made a difference for that one."
Today during Sunday school we had a discussion about Naomi and Ruth from the Bible. Our teacher asked each member of the class to share two things about ourselves - the first, what one thing would people say about you and second, what would you want people to remember or know you for?
When it came to my turn, I replied that I think people would think I was a nice person. As for what I would want people to remember me for...I replied...I would hope that I helped make a difference in someone's life.
This story that Brian shared years ago has stuck in my head. I would hope that in some way or another I can make a difference. I think back to another time when I was a lot younger - I was dropped off at the laundromat to do our laundry. My mom didn't give me enough money to dry all of our clothes. I didn't know what to do. A kind woman saw and probably knew what happened. She came over, told me to put the rest of the clothes in the dryer and she inserted a couple coins into each machine. To this day I remember this random act of kindness.
Sometimes we don't realize what a difference we can make. How big or how small, we can all make a difference!!!
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4 comments:
So true! Thanks for sharing. And I'm sure you're making a difference in more lives than you think! You really are an inspiration in so many ways! And yes...I do a gree....a very nice person!
LOVE IT SIS!!! U MADE MANY DIFFERENCES IN MY LIFE AND MY LIL FAMILIES LIFE I LOVE U!!!THANKS FOR THIS POST MUCH NEEDED
I love that story...together we can make a difference! I think you have impacted so many peoples lives Sinai. You are truly inspirational. You are living breathing moving example of hard work and determination with losing weight. I hope and I think you know that you have inspired others to lose weight with your example. Also with saving money and couponing. You would tell anyone where to go, how much and even to call you if they get stuck...you are helpful and always willing to lift a leg up for someone else. Thank you!! :)
Beautiful post! I agree with the ladies that you've made many a inspiration and difference in each and every one of our lives. :):)
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