There are so many people, past and present, who have made a difference for others by simply being who they were intended to be… each an individual who stands out in the crowd in their own way… and who have made a difference in my life and your life.  I once took a photo of a single stalk of corn growing in a field of soybeans across the road from us and posted it to Facebook.  It spoke silent volumes of being the one alone, not afraid to stand out and be different. (Since I can't find it, I shared this unique photo of field grass.)

We have gifts, unique to each of us, enabling us to reach out to be there for others in as many different ways as there are people.  And it’s what we do, or don’t do, with our gifts that makes a difference in this world.  For, as the venerable Ben Franklin once wrote, "He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else."

When our son was in Boy Scouts of America Troop #17, he learned the association’s motto has always been: “Do a good turn daily.”  And I recall Dan sitting for his Eagle Scout “inquisition,” quizzed about all he’d learned and accomplished over the past several years of badge work, camping, and camaraderie with friends.  The gentleman from Binghamton had a strong bold character while Dan has a quiet, easygoing, humble personality like his Dad.  On being asked what he’d done that day as his good deed, my son was speechless.  He had no idea what “good deed” he might have done. When they took a break, I shared with Dan that he naturally helped others out of the kindness of his heart, consistently every day and often without being asked, just like his Dad.  But I also told him he had helped me that morning without my having to ask him to help with certain household chores.  He doesn’t have to go looking for a good deed.  It’s a gift that comes natural to Dan, without hesitation, and something he continued through college, carried forward in his employment, and still does freely for his wife and children, and others.  Anyone blessed to know Dan knows his gentle loving heart.

What a great motto - teaching young boys to do a good deed every day by serving others without hesitation!  As the Bible puts it, we should “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than [ourselves].  Each of [us] should look not only to [our] own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-447)

And in all of this, I am also reminded of what God said to Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) We certainly may not be called to be a prophet like Jeremiah, but the Lord has set each of us apart, given each of us special gifts, unique to who we are meant to be.

Reminds me of reaching out to others in a welcoming manner whether working as a medical/radiology transcriptionist before retiring or now as a teacher/TA sub in our local schools.  It’s a chance to give back… a time to assist others in understanding… a time to smile and encourage… a time to give praise for a job well done… a time to listen when someone needs an ear to hear where they’re at… a time to simply be there when they need someone on their side… like others have done for me.

Individually, we may be only one, and we may feel insignificant at that, but we can accomplish so much for those around us… to meet their needs, to put a smile on their face, and joy in their heart.  Be that one! 

I'm Only One

Linda A. Roorda 

I'm only one, but a difference I make

By touch of hand or the sound of voice

Soothing the anxious, fearful and hopeless

Blessing with peace the heart in distress.

I’m only one, but a smile I bring

A ray of sun to brighten your day

A sprig of hope that glows eternal

To cheer you on when all else seems lost.

I'm only one, but humbly I seek

To amend the wrong I've offended you by

Forgiveness I ask from your heart to mine

With grace and mercy to heal the rift caused.

I'm only one, but peace I offer

With arms that welcome to embrace your heart

To show I care no matter the pain

For only with love do we reflect grace.

I'm only one, but courage I ask

To tackle issues that trouble our days

Seeking answers to life's woundings deep

That healing may come to scars of our soul.

I'm only one, but beauty I desire

Not outward surface but heart's inner glow

The balm of solace, depth of contentment

Glitter of joy, and the calm of peace.

I'm only one, but change I effect

Bringing comfort to the hurting souls

Sharing laughter, burdens to lighten

With hands tightly clasped to feel love’s cadence.

I’m only one, but wisdom I crave

To humbly walk with You as my guide

Sharing Your truth to brighten the path

That leads us to Your embracing love.

~~

06/08-11/16