You Can Make A Difference To Others
“The fact that I can plant a seed and it becomes a flower, share a bit of knowledge and it becomes another’s, smile at someone and receive a smile in return, are to me continual spiritual exercises.” ~ Leo Buscaglia
I was in my car last week doing errands and, as I drove from place to place, was listening to the radio. There was a discussion about the incredible need human beings have of touch. We all know that touching and being touched carries incredible amounts of communication. Touch can mean care. Touch can mean concern. Touch can mean comfort. Touch can mean pleasure.
The problem, as the program continued, was that, due to the pandemic, many people were suffering because of a lack of touch. We all know that, at the present time, it is highly inadvisable to touch others. We are being reminded constantly to keep our distance from one another. This has even gone into households. Family members have hugged each other less during these past months out of fear of giving anything to each other.
A simple touch can say so much. Buscaglia reminds us that many simple things can say so much. A smile, a quick hello, a small kind act, and other small or brief gestures can convey good will and happiness to others.
If it doesn’t take much to make someone feel happy or valued, why do we not engage in those practices more in our daily lives?
I think it might be because too many people nowadays are too busy taking care of themselves. There is a lot of tension and fear in our world. People are doing everything that they can to make sure that they are all right. Just think back to the toilet paper and paper towel hoarding of a few months ago.
When people become so focused on themselves, they may only engage in practices to help others if there is something in it for them. Jesus reminded His followers on a pretty regular basis that they should not worry about what was in it for themselves but, rather, that they should care about others and do all that they could for others.
When it comes down to it, it’s totally up to us. We have the ability to make others feel valued and important. It doesn’t take a whole lot of work to do so. Are we going to do it?
FAITH ACTION: Think of people with whom you interact on a daily basis. If any are in need, do something to let them know you care.