She came up to me as I was walking off stage after speaking at a conference recently.
“I’m so sorry to bother you, but my aunt, Mary, is a long-time reader of your blog. When she found out I was going to be at a conference your were at, she was SO excited.”
She paused and then said, “I hate to ask this of you, but is there any way we could get our picture taken together and you could hold up a piece of paper in the picture that says, ‘Hi, Mary!'”
“Of course”, I replied. But then I thought for a second and said, “However, what if I were to write her a note instead? Maybe that would be more meaningful?”
The conference attendee looked taken aback. “You would do that??”
“Absolutely!” I replied. “But since I don’t know your aunt, could you tell me something I could write to her that would be meaningful?”
It was then that I was taken aback because this sweet woman in front of me all of a sudden got very misty-eyed and choked up.
Finally, she managed to get the words out, “Could you tell her that there are no small ideas? That her ideas and dreams matter?”
I wanted to know the story behind that request, but the next session was starting and I didn’t have time to ask. I grabbed a pen and paper and went to sit down at the back to compose a note.
I wasn’t sure what to say, but I prayed that God would give me the words that this woman needed to hear. And then I just started writing.
My note was something like this, “Dear Mary, I don’t know you, but I want you to know that your ideas matter. The world needs you. We need your gifts and your talents. We need your ideas. God has uniquely gifted you and equipped you. So keep dreaming, don’t give up, and know that there is no idea that is too small. They all matter. You matter. You have a purpose and a story. I am looking forward to seeing how God is going to use you and your ideas. I am cheering for you! -Crystal”
When I was finished, I took the note over to the woman. I bent down and handed it to her and whispered to her to ask her if she could read it to make sure it was appropriate — since I didn’t know her aunt or her aunt’s situation.
She read through it and, as she did so, tears started flowing. She looked at me, gave me a huge hug, and said, “This is perfect. You have no idea how much this will mean to my aunt.”
I walked away with a spring in my step, knowing that the short amount of time I just invested to write that note could possibly change someone’s life — or at least give someone the exact boost they needed to keep moving forward and not give up.
It also made me wonder how many opportunities like that I have overlooked or walked right past — all because I was so focused on my tasks and to-do’s. There are opportunities to reach out and bless someone like this all around us, if we just take the time to see those opportunities and act on them.
Today: Take time to ask how someone really is. Take time to smile. Take time to speak a kind word. Take time to look into someone’s eyes and listen — really listen — to what they are saying.
Write that note, send that text, make that phone call, invite that person over, or do that little extra something to let someone know that you care and that they matter.
We can’t do everything, but we can do something.
We can’t help everyone, but we can help someone.
We can’t change the entire world, but we can make a difference in one life.
So today, I challenge you as I’ve been challenging myself, “Do for one what you wish you could do for all.”
Together, let’s make a difference in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our communities… and around the world.
Photo quote above from the post on How to Be a Light This Christmas — go read it; it’s excellent.
Steve Kobrin says
A wonderful point. Sometimes opportunities to do good are right in front of us, but we ignore them looking for something bigger and better. Think global- but act local!
Jayleen @ How Do The Jones Do It says
This is powerful! When it seems like you could never do enough, do for one.
Charmain says
Wow… I have tears in my eyes. What a lovely story.
Laura says
Misty, in no way do I mean to discourage you, but the busboy was actively shaking RFK’s hand and congratulating him on his speech when RFK was shot. I don’t know if he did give RFK the rosary, but there is an picture available from that day. I really hope Mr Romero was able to provide some comfort to the dying senator.
charity Crawford says
You are such a blessing such kind words and thoughts that mean a million! Keep on encouraging others and yourself.
Erin@The Humbled Homemaker says
Love this, Crystal! And thanks for living these words today with me! Have a wonderful, restful weekend!!
Brooke says
Inspired by this! Time is a gift to give and a blessing to be on the receiving end too.
This applies to strangers, kids, husbands, families, the stressed out mom you know but really don’t know, girlfriends, and neighbors. If I may suggest please just take some time…….God can use you!
karen says
Thank you for posting this today. I read it earlier and while I was checking out tonight at the grocery store, the young grocery clerk noted the candy I was buying. She was so excited that the store had this candy and she told me she was going to buy some when she got off work. I took my groceries to the car and felt compelled to go back in the store. I got back in her line and purchased this same candy again. She asked me about it, and I told her it was for her. She started to tear up. Sometime we never know the little things we can do for one another if we don’t stop and take the time to listen. Thank you for your encouraging words and giving me the courage to step out of my comfort zone and busy schedule.
Misty Nicole Overstreet-Roberts (The Lady Prefers To Save) says
This reminds me of a story I read as a teenager.
The night before RFK’s assassination, Juan Romero, a busboy at the Ambassador Hotel, met a senator he had read about in a newspaper article; Romero waited in line for over an hour to thank RFK for his kind remarks made in a speech earlier that say, about the working class, and RFK in exchange offered him a meal, as Romero had just worked a twelve hour shift without being able to take a break for lunch.
The next morning, when RFK was mortally injured, and while so many other members of the kitchen staff hid in the kitchen pantry for fear of their own safety, this same bellboy came to the Senators aid, placing the rosary his grandmother had made him in RFK’s hand, and helped him to clutch it shut, and prayed for him until his wife could reach him.
Though the Senator died, before he lost consciousness, a relative stranger was willing to risk his own safety to bring comfort to another person. So for me, when I think there may not be ways to help others, I think about Juan Romero, and the goodness of strangers.
Thank you for such an awesome post!
Amanda says
This hit me hard this afternoon…
I know that I have been focusing too much lately on being a Mom and not enough on being a Wife. So, even though I have a large group of people coming to my home tomorrow for a gathering and my house is a mess and the menu is not even close to being ready to begin preparing, I am taking the night off and taking my Husband to a hockey game. He loves hockey and it will mean more to him than a clean house will tomorrow morning.
Tonight, I will make an effort to make a difference in his life. Thank you for this wonderful inspiration today, Crystal!
Deana says
That is so cool!
About two years before my oldest son died, he wrote and gave a short sermon about how God uses ordinary people to do extra-ordinary things. He was about 1/2 a point away from winning a spot in the national competition for that sermon. Your message to Mary reminded me of his sermon.
Kristen @ Joyfully Thriving says
Indeed. Let’s make a difference! Thanks for this reminder, Crystal. I get too fixated on my to-do list sometimes so need to remember to notice the opportunities God places in front of me!
Mary says
My name is Mary, you were speaking to me. Thank you, just lovely.
Sarah says
I LOVE that Andy Stanley quote! My husband is a huge Andy Stanley fan and told me that quote and how it impacted him. We are both in vocational ministry together at our church and it has really impacted how I do my job. I can’t be everything to every kid in my ministry, but I can choose to do for one what I wish I could do for all. Thanks for sharing that story!
Sarah@bakingwithmom says
Excellent post and point. It is so easy to forget to look past the busyness of our lives and realize others need our time, attention and grace.
I have been intentionally slowing down, focusing on who is in front of me and listening to them, whether it is my children, my husband, a stranger in the store or church members at church.
Stopping to ask God for wisdom in what to write was wise. What a blessing He honored your request so you were able to bless her.
Molly says
Tonight I have a dinner with my husband’s residency applicants and their partners/spouses. My goal is to make the partners/spouses feel WELCOME and VALUED and not overwhelmed with medical-ness – all those interviews and dinners are stressful on the families!
Susan B says
Thank you for reminding us all what we each can do for one another, holding one door open at a time, stopping to allow a car to enter your lane even during heavy traffic, thanking one when it may not be necessary, being the better person without showing it, biting one’s tongue or crossing one’s fingers. Hope that we all can take the small steps into a better world for those around us.
And why should anybody miss out those wonderful warm and fuzzy feelings one gets afterwards, we need more in todays world so spreading it forward makes the world go around that much better.
Shelly says
I love this post. Just as I was reading this I was praying that the Lord could show me a way to help someone today.
As I was sitting at my kitchen table getting ready to comment. My neighbor was getting on his roof to fix a leak in his chimney. A big gust of wind came and blew his ladder down.
I ran over to his house and stood up his ladder so he could get back down. He said he was so thankful I was home and saw what happened, otherwise he would have been stuck.
I’m going to have to pray this prayer everyday and see who God provides for me to help. A little thing can really make such a difference in another persons day.
Lizzy says
So encouraging, especially in this time of giving, to remember the “free” gifts that mean so much, and to act on the thought of reaching out to someone–love your heart Crystal!
Stevi says
I don’t know if you have seen this story, but a little 6 year old girl is very ill, this is most likely going to be her last Christmas. She is asking fro Christmas cards this year. It’s a very touching story! I am planning on making her one and having my daughter make her one. I thought you might like to get the kids together and have your family make cards for her as well. Her address is listed in the story. Here is the link to the story
http://www.today.com/health/6-year-old-girl-asks-holiday-cards-her-last-christmas-1D80339300?cid=sm_fbn
Diane says
Thank you for sharing. What a lovely idea!
Marie says
I read about the little girl today from a friend who knows them and it touched my heart too. So glad to see others sharing it.
Vickie says
So nice of you Crystal …to take time to do a little extra. That’s all it is a little time and you can bless someone. Made me cry just reading it.
Diane says
This brought tears to my eyes, too. As a single mom (my kids are adults now), I remember how hard it could be to make ends meet during the holidays, and something like this would have meant the world to me. Crystal is so very kind and thoughtful!
Carrie says
I couple of years ago, you wrote a post and mentioned how hard it must be for single moms and that you would love to hear from us. I wrote a comment back in the blog comment section explaining what single moms go through.
I will NEVER forget that you asked for my home address to send me a note. You sent more than a note…you sent a beautiful package of goodies for my children and a hand-written note, which I still have and cherish. You sent it with love and encouragement and it was exactly what I needed that day.
Heidi says
Beautifully written! I have been thinking a lot lately about this same concept. Getting your gratitude journal has started a chain reaction in me. Thank you for sharing your heart!
Tracy says
Crystal I just loved this post. It has really invigorated me to go back to just trying to help where and how I can. I am constantly busy between work, my son, and my committees I work for.
I started reading The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer. It is an amazing book. I am learning so much from it.
Tamara says
Great, timely post. Don’t know who said it but I love this quote: “Every act of kindness to a neighbor is a gift of peace to the world.” Exactly what you did! Too many times we think we need to give lots of money to do His will – not true; we mostly need to be willing to give a little time, willing to be outside of our selves and our comfort zones.
Diane says
I love that quote! With all the recent violence going on in our country and in our world, I’ve been trying to remember to do a few extra acts of kindness each day to help counteract the hatred and promote peace.
Crystal Paine says
So beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Lana says
Love it! The last couple of years I have not done an Operation Christmas Child shoe box because many families at our church do a pile of them and I just felt like it was too much to accomplish. This year I realized that my attitude was ridiculous and that it was fine to do one shoe box. So we did and it was great to participate without feeling that we had to do as much as everyone else.
My husband is so good about seeing the invisible people in this world and giving them a kind word. Whenever I feel irked at him it is one of the things I remember about him and it changes my attitude.
Crystal Paine says
It sounds like our husbands are a lot alike! And it’s so true, Jesse really inspires me in this!
I love your perspective on Operation Christmas Child and just doing what you can do instead of feeling like you had to do what others do.
Diane says
I love to participate in Operation Christmas Child each year. I truly believe that in Heaven someday we’ll get to meet the children who receive our boxes!
Dawn @ One Faithful Mom says
My daughter received a letter from the girl who received her box a few years ago. The girl lives in South Africa, and they have remained pen pals. Believe it or not, the girl has actually called my daughter on the phone on many occasions!! It is a precious thing to reach out, whether it is to one or to one hundred.
Kimmie says
Thanks for this post! I’m going to write a note of an encouragement to someone I know who is going thru a hard time. Thanks for inspiring me!! 🙂
Crystal Paine says
This makes me so happy!
Keelie Reason says
Wow, this is such a beautiful post. Sometimes I feel like we can’t change the world, but when I read stuff like this I suddenly wonder if we can. Thanks for reminding me that love is shown to one person at a time. That is how it spreads.
Crystal Paine says
“…love is shown to one person at a time.”
I love that!