Have you ever looked at someone you admire, who serves in outstanding ways, and felt your contributions are paltry in comparison? Do you wonder if you can make a difference when you struggle with your limitations, or don’t have the resources or abilities others might have?

The short answer is yes, you can make a difference.

Recently, I witnessed an act of service that seemed small but was impactful. A man saw a need and filled it. There was no fanfare. No one applauded his effort. He performed it quietly, and many were unaware it had occurred. But he made a difference.

What was this mysterious deed? It was a Sunday, two days after a tragedy occurred that involved two young people from our church. It was an emotionally charged service, as you may well imagine, but that man, an usher, did something that deeply touched my heart. During a time of prayer, he noticed that many people were silently wiping tears. Quietly, he walked through the aisles, carrying a box of tissues and offering them to those who needed them. I only became aware of his kindness when I opened my eyes to dig out a tissue from my purse.

It was a small act, possibly insignificant to some, but it was appreciated by those who hadn’t anticipated needing his offering. My husband had ushered for years, and afterward I asked him if he had ever considered helping in that way. No, he had not. Many of us wouldn’t. But that man did. He made a difference.

In Matthew 10:42, Jesus says, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward” (NIV). That man metaphorically offered a cup of cold water and touched lives.

Over the next few days, as I continued to ponder the concept of offering a cup of cold water, I heard an elderly widow say how much she had appreciated someone holding her hand as they spoke. It had been a long time since anyone had touched her in a meaningful way. A cup of cold water.

Several decades ago, after a single year of marriage, my doctor had just told me that I might never have children. Afterward, shaken by the news that something I had taken for granted may never happen, I encountered a friend. With no idea what was happening in my life or in my head, she invited me to join her for lunch at a restaurant. As we ate, I didn’t mention my mental struggle, but her presence and kindness affected me greatly. I still remember that day all these years, two children and six grandchildren later! A cup of cold water.

I can think of several instances throughout my life when a small gesture had a significant impact on me. So, yes, you can make a difference.

Do these small acts replace the larger, more substantial ways we can help others? Of course not. But they can show love in a gentle, low-key way. Keeping our eyes open for opportunities to offer a cup of cold water doesn’t require endless resources, just awareness. When we dress in the morning, let’s put on the clothes the Apostle Paul speaks of in Colossians 3:12, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (NIV).

Opportunities abound, and once you start looking for them, you’ll be amazed by how they seem to appear before you. It can be as simple as sending a note of encouragement to someone. As was the case when my friend invited me to lunch, you might not have any idea what is happening in a person’s life, but a small kindness can reverberate for decades. Listen to those nudges and keep your cup handy, because you can make a difference.

Thank you for sharing your time with me. I appreciate it.

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