Changed

Mother Theresa said, “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”

It has been that way since the beginning.  Alexander the Great would have been nothing without an army behind him.  He, like every other memorable figure throughout history, was only one person.  Like you.  Like me.  It is the same with every leader.  They lead only because we give them permission.

Alone we often feel powerless, as if we do not matter.  Yet the people who hold the reins of power only do so with our imprimatur.  We empower or disempower them.

Israel Zangwill remarked that in the Middle Ages kings rewarded anyone who discovered a new pleasure while the Jews continually looked for new mitzvahs.

Why would we have such a different attitude until this day?  Because we know that everything we say and do matters.  Life is not about pursuing pleasures it is about making good choices and changing the world, even if it is only a tiny piece.

Example.  It does not take much to destroy a community. All you need are a few ill-tempered and negatively disposed people to poison the environment.  Many congregations, communities and even countries have imploded because of a few.

Example. To restore a sense of balance in a family or larger group all it takes is one right-minded person to do the correct thing.

How many times have our days been dramatically changed because someone did us an unexpected kindness?  How many lives have been changed because we did the same by calling someone we have not seen in while?  Sending a note to say that we miss them?  Or simply telling a friend how much they mean to us?

Bernard Baruch wrote in his autobiography that when he made his first million he told his father who was unimpressed.  Baruch said, “I am not even thirty and already I made my first million.  Are you not even happy?”
“What I want to know,” said his father, “is how you will spend the money you earned.”

Every day presents a new chance, a new opportunity.  The three dialogues we offer this month are one example to make new friends in a wider community.  Our Havurot program is an opportunity to get involved and make little change for your self and others.   Opportunities like Tuesdays with Friends abound.  The synagogue, your synagogue, is a great place to make s a start as a volunteer.

Here’s an idea if you are pressed to find out what you can contribute: smile at people randomly.  It will change their day and they will carry the joy you gave them back home and share it with their family.  

Find a place where you can make a difference.  Start today and make it a habit to make your world a little shinier every day.