Thursday, October 11, 2012

Can You be Great before You're Famous?

"I believe that helping even a little can be enough." --Jan Karon (as the character Fr. Timothy Kavanaugh) Home to Holly Springs

We too often believe the lie that if we're not famous, we can't be great. We think that if we aren't changing the world, our lives lack significance.

Yet we can make someone's day by a sincere "thank you," by helping them fix a flat tire or broken faucet, or simply by listening (now there's a lost art). Helping even a little can make a huge difference in the people's lives you know and live with.

Don't wait to be famous to be great. Start touching lives today with little helps.

Has someone helped you in what may have seemed to them insignificant, but made a big difference to you?

18 comments:

  1. My new neighbor did. She let us put our tractor in her shed:)

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    1. That's one of the best things about living in a small town, Terri. The people really care.

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  2. I've had so many wonderful blessings through precious saints - and you would be one of them! A friend once told me that we might be the only example of Jesus someone sees in a day. I often think about that; it doesn't take much to extend a kind word or action to someone at the grocery store, etc. Good food for thought, Jen. Encouraging as always!

    Thanks and blessings,
    Karen

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    1. Thanks, Karen. You've blessed me a mountain and a sea, just by your kindness and high regard for each person you know. Just like Jesus.

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  3. Absolutely! One of my students just delivered a plate of yummy cinnamon buns from her mom! I can do sweet, any day! Great post!

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    1. OH, wonderful! Those kind of moms help make teaching more rewarding, don't they?

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  4. Little things really do matter...even IF they are not acknowledged. It blesses a person for just doing it. It's a double blessing if it is appreciated.

    Good post. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I like that double blessing idea, Barb. I need to keep it in mind when I feel unappreciated. Thanks for your wisdom!

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  5. I have this happen to me all the time. A friend of mine finds things for me at the estate and yard sales she and her husband frequent. One of the things she found and gave me was a deep purple sweater. It's just right for these transitional days of fall temperatures.

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  6. So important to remember to recognize the opportunities to encourage and thank others:)
    Blessings and prayers,
    andrea

    PS: Thanks for your encouragement over the years! You are a blessing to so many!

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    1. Andrea: YOU are a major encouragement, dear, to everyone who knows you.

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  7. Y ou are truly a sweet blessing to many.

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  8. Oh, Jen, I love this post. Someone once apologized because "all they could do was pray." I told them they were giving me the greatest gift of all by lifting me up in prayer.

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    1. Susan: Oh, my goodness, you are so right! Prayer is the MOST important thing someone can do for us!

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  9. An encouraging word, even from someone I have never met (like yourself) helps lift my spirits and keep up my hope!

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  10. Hi Jen -

    You're on my blog today. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

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Oh, it's YOU! I'm so happy to see you here today, and look forward to reading your comments.