The Difference Makers

 

Daily Gratitude Year 13 - Day 239:  Today, I am grateful for the difference makers. 

Difference Maker (n)- A dedicated person who can make a big impact even with just a small action or a few words; Someone who improves the lives of others; One who encourages others to propel themselves forward and bring about change. 

How many difference makers will we encounter today? The joyful person in the toll booth or the drive through coffee line can impact our day. What about the bagger at the grocery store who makes sure the eggs, bread, and bananas are safe from breaking, blemish, or bruises. 

Ordinary acts of kindness or thoughtfulness can change our days. 

I could write about them all day long. All we have to do is look. The fullness of our days can cause us to miss the things that really matter. 

I am so grateful that our local Kroger hires people who others may overlook because they have special needs. They are some of the best grocery packers on the team. I am especially grateful for the cashiers who encourage them and treat them with kindness in return. 

Bus Drivers, custodians, and aides are some of the first and last people students encounter every day as they come and go in a teacher's classroom. Every day they come in with the expectation of serving with their hands and their hearts. 

My years at St. Jude,  the people who cleaned our patient and office spaces knew the importance of their work. Our patients needed clean, safe spaces. 

The child who sings while we clean and bandage their wounds is a difference maker. Joy is not found in our circumstances. Joy is a gift from above that we can freely sprinkle as needed. It costs nothing. 

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"-Galatians 5:22-23

Today, I am grateful for the difference makers.