Small Great Things

I'm reading a book by Jodi Picoult (one of my favs) called "Small Great Things." The title is inspired by the quote from Martin Luther King, Jr., "If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way." This quote absolutely resonated with me, in a great, big way. I am often overwhelmed by the feeling of helplessness brought on by injustices in this world. The fact that some people just get a bad lot in life just by being born. The fact is, I am not one of those people. I was born into a wonderful, loving family and have had many privileges that a lot of people don't have the opportunity to have. I always had a secure home, family that loved me, food to eat, friends, etc. I didn't grow up wealthy, but I never felt the impact of the financial struggles of my parents, especially those of my mom once my parents divorced. I never had to worry if I was going to eat on a particular day or if my family was going to be out on the streets or if I was going to have clean clothes to wear. Because of the color of my skin--my pale, suntan-resistant, sunburn-susceptible, white skin--I never had to worry about being unfairly treated, arrested, profiled, or shot by police. I still don't. I didn't have a perfect life as a kid, but who does? I don't have a perfect life now (but, again, who does?). I just acknowledge that I've had many blessings that rarely have to do with the choices I have made or make. I believe God's plan is for all of us to do great things, even if they are small, great things. We are all capable of small, great things. I think the quote is such a good reminder that we don't need to feel overwhelmed or paralyzed by the inability to do great things--we can do small things in a great way and still have a huge impact on someone. I don't have millions to donate to organizations doing great things, but I can make a small donation or spread the word about the work they do. I don't have a lot of extra time to plan or organize a food drive, but I can offer to buy a sandwich or a cup of coffee to a man living on the street. The point is, we need to remember that we all are capable of doing small things in a great way. I know I need that reminder everyday, especially when I read about what's happening in other parts of the world, such as Syria. I feel paralyzed by the overwhelming need of those poor children who have been left orphaned. I want to do great things for them. But I know my limitations, and the reality is I can't quit my job or my life here in the U.S. to go save them all. But I can make a donation to one of the organizations that greatly need financial support. It may be small, but a donation can do great things in the right hands.