When my nephew introduces himself, he states he has special needs. He turned twenty-five this month and he can’t tie his shoes or drive, but he’s a favorite employee at a large Children’s Hospital. Nurses, doctors, hospital staff know him for his smile and hard work.
He is essential. He spends hours in the hospital hallways filling hand sanitizers outside rooms. When he completes his shift, hand rails and stairwells have been cleaned. His labor kills viruses.
I wonder: Has my nephew prevented illness—or saved lives—through these menial tasks?Probably.
I’m thankful for how the Covid pandemic has shed light on what is important. Small things, even washing hands, matter.
Nothing is insignificant. Don’t overlook the importance of an act. The stink of an overflowing trash reminds me that what I do—or don’t do—adds up. My actions make a difference for myself and those around me.
I can’t control circumstances, but I can choose how I will respond. Will I sit and sour or get back on my feet? Every moment is an opportunity.
If you’re off balance from the past weeks, maybe it’s time to push a re-start button. Regardless of canceled vacations, the calendar shows summer is lining up.
And even though we don’t know what this new season might bring, we can embrace each day with this lesson: Small things matter.
As we move ahead, we know a minuscule entity that can only be seen under an electron microscope–a virus–can turn the world upside down. Let’s never forget the importance of the small.
And keep your eyes open for my nephew. Thank him for making a difference.
Leave a note: What’s a small way you can make a difference today?
Gretchen Carlson https://gretchen-carlson.com/ gretchencarlsonwriter@gmail.com
Please tell your nephew “thank you” for taking care of everyone. What a wonderful way to help.
I will! Thank you
Please thank your nephew for all the small jobs he performs. He’s a hero!
He will love hearing that someone else (besides me) thinks he is a hero!
Well said, Gretchen. Please thank your nephew and happy birthday to him. 🙂
In writing this, I have to admit I was “preaching to myself.” It’s easy for me to get caught up, looking for “big accomplishments” and forgetting the importance of what seems ordinary or small.
Thank you, Gretchen, for the reminder that small things are significant things and they matter. Thanks for sharing his story. And the bat part is the joy he sparks in others as he serves!!! My husband used to tell the story of the man who knelt by the bed one morning and said, aLord how can I best serve you today. He opened his eyes and saw an unmade bed!
I LOVE your story! And you!
Such a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing about your nephew and making us all rethink the little things.
Thanks, Sharon. I constantly have to remind myself that I don’t need to look far for the small but wonderful blessings around me.
Thank you, Nolan, for your willing heart and diligence in doing your job. You are a hero, and you make a difference!
What a wonderful post, Gretchen. I’m thankful for all those who do small things every day to make my life easier. All the people who go around fixing the technology that has kept us connected when we couldn’t physically be together, for instance.
You’re right, Rebecca, and it’s too easy to take others for granted. Thanks for your comment!
I love that you are writing, it makes a difference too!
Thank you, Doris, that means a lot.
I love people like your nephew! Anything can make a difference.