See an injustice, see a need, see what should be done, but you know you can’t do all that is required. Too often, we use our inability to do it all as an excuse to not do anything. The real truth is that we can never do it all. We see a homeless person, but know we can’t provide all the psychiatric, financial, and other services the person needs so we pass by. I can think of a thousand examples, I bet you can too.
Even if you can do all for one, there are thousands more just like the one. To say, I can’t do it all is not the right response because we can always do more and we should do more. But instead, what is important is we do what we can, whenever we can. There is never an excuse for doing nothing. I can say that some of the most enriching moments I have ever had have been when I knew I couldn’t do much, but bothered to do something small. A good example is the time I didn’t pass a obviously troubled man asking for a handout and instead gave him a dollar, reached out my hand and asked him his name. Try it once; you might be surprised by the response when you treat someone who is down and out as an equal and as a fellow human being.
Jesus praises the widow who gives a single mite. True charities will tell you some of the most heartfelt contributions they receive are the one, five, and ten dollar contributions. As you meditate today ask first where you see a need, and then do something, even if it is to give a charity your loose change or offer your talents. Do what you can, when you can. The real beneficiary is you.
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