Not all of us are destined to be President of the United States, to climb Mt Everest, or even travel across the Sahara desert. The majority of us will never step foot in the White House, see Mt Everest other than on a post card, let alone want to wiggle our toes in the sand of any desert. We will do incredible things in our lives, we may simply do them as small things done in a great way.
I am teaching a calligraphy class at the John C Campbell Folk School. I have ten students who have varying interest in calligraphy. They have usually bought a pen set, or art supplies and tried to use them, failed or got frustrated, then gave up. Our job in class has been to play, make mistakes, try, learn, then try some more. We’ve used pencils, ink, crayons, nibs, brushes, and all sorts of papers. It has been a hotbed of creativity simply in the students watching themselves use a new or different tool and seeing what happens. They are having. blast…and for that matter so am I! In 48 hours their lives and ideas about lettering will be changed forever. It’s a small thing I can do in a great way…share my knowledge, give of my enthusiasm and help them lose their fear of failure.
You never realize how much you know until you start giving it away. Not in a pompous or superior way; give of yourself with the humble mindset of a servant. One word, one thought, one idea you share may change another person’s perspective forever. All we have to do is be willing to do that small thing in a great way.
What do you do, that you can give, that will help improve the lives of others? Walk their dog? Do their laundry while they are sick? Take them to lunch and listen, truly listen to their woes, not trying to solve them, just listen. Or maybe just help them learn to do something you know how to do that they do not?
The deed you do that may feel small, does not mean it is small in someone else’s eyes. Instead of trying to climb Everest or hike the desert, try giving away your small gifts away in a great way. Not for the glory, or the paycheck , or even praise…do it because you can.
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