Life can move pretty fast. May is faster than other times. It is as bad as December, except... it kind of blindsides us every year. There are so many life events that merge or collide in May. Mother's Day, graduations, concerts, awards nights, weddings and anniversaries... it is easy to get over scheduled and weary. Humans are not at our best when we are worn out.
Simple kindness and caring can be a day changer.
"To make a difference in someone's life, you don't have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful, or perfect. You just have to care."
Watching children every day in one of life's awkward seasons... junior high... is a constant reminder of the importance of what is taught at home. Some of the children who touch my heart the most are the ones who are doing the best they can, but they aren't the ones that win the awards and stand out. Because the don't rise to the absolute top of the heap academically or athletically... they are rarely singled out... but they keep trying. They keep doing the right thing. Some of these children have the kindest hearts, and make more of a difference than they will ever know, because they care.
Our little village has built a reputation and been recognized for having excellent music programs. We have music teachers who care, not just about the music, but the kids. When musicians come together, not everyone can be first chair or have the vocal lead. Chances are, someone is always going to be more talented. Excellence can only happen if everyone is doing their best. In a marching band, everyone must be in sync.
Now, those who practice endlessly with a passion certainly earn their place as first chair... but what if everyone in second and third chair stopped practicing and didn't care? Every seat in the choir, orchestra and band is an important seat. Alone, they may sound nice, but together... they become extraordinary. Each voice and instrument make a difference. Everyone has to come prepared or the performance suffers.
I'm not a big fan of "everyone gets a trophy". I don't like to dust. On the other side of the coin, I love the unique awards that identify character, compassion, ingenuity, persistence, spirit or kindness. I love seeing the quiet student who instinctively holds open the door for an elder or another person carrying a heavy load. Manners are a beautiful thing. They show thoughtfulness, respect and caring.
Yes, these caring youth will change the world if they persist and don't become discouraged by the lack of recognition for doing the right thing. By embracing second and third chair... the music is elevated. By doing the right thing when no one is looking, they form life directing habits that will make a difference. This world needs more people doing the right thing.
When looking for a scripture to add... I was reminded of Jesus entire ministry. He treated everyone with love and compassion. He valued women and children. He was not impressed by power. The one that impressed him was the one with power and prestige who met him with humility and hope. One of my favorites... the centurion.
"When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.” But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith." - Matthew 8:5-10
This soldier touched Jesus heart. He came to petition healing for a servant. He understood the demands of leadership. He was the only one who ever looked at Jesus and marveled at the pressures of his ministry and the weight of the responsibility he carried every day. This soldier looked at Jesus and said, "Man, I get it. Don't come. I need your help, but don't let me inconvenience you when you are so busy doing important things. Say the word and my servant will be healed."
The power of caring changes things. Keep caring. Even in the curve balls of life... do the right thing.
Today, I am grateful for the power of caring.
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