3 Points to Ponder
- Consistency builds deep impact. Consistently saying “yes” is far more powerful than a sporadic burst of effort. How can you build more consistent and lasting impact in your service to others?
- Other people’s positive impact on our lives is often greater than what they see. How can you acknowledge and recognize someone’s selfless act in your life in these upcoming weeks?
- Embrace service as a lifestyle. When ingrained in your character, a mindset of willing service brings profound joy, rather than feeling like a chore. Challenge yourself to integrate service more seamlessly into your daily life.
2 Quotes to Share
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”
– Robert Collier
1 Story of Impact
Year after year, Wayne kept saying yes. He was the heartbeat of our back door operations, greeting everyone dropping off donations with boundless energy and a loving smile. A month ago, Wayne informed us he wouldn’t be able to volunteer regularly anymore, as he needed to tend to some personal matters. I invited Wayne and his wife, Jean, to lunch because I wanted to personally celebrate him and thank him for everything he had done.
During lunch, I asked Wayne, “How many hours do you think you’ve volunteered with Many Hands?” He looked at me, puzzled, and said, “I have no idea.”
“Over 6,000 hours, Wayne!” I exclaimed.
He just smiled and later sent me an email stating, “This is a wonderful mission helping to create heaven on earth for thousands of people. May God continue to bless you, your family, and your mission.”
Wayne embodies the spirit of service over self, always thinking of others and how he can help. He has been faithful in both the outward-facing activities and the quiet, consistent tasks. I’ve often told people that my job is amazing because I get to meet the most incredible, “best-of-the-best” individuals in the world. Rubbing shoulders with Wayne has made me a better person in every way.
As Wayne steps back, we naturally wonder, “Who will replace Wayne?” This is where the ripple effect of service truly shows up, the countless unseen ways one person’s selfless acts inspire others. Wayne’s quiet example has surely sown seeds of kindness that will continue to grow.
We might not immediately see the next wave of “Waynes,” but we know it’s there. For those of us who aim to make an impact, embrace that “service over self” attitude. Be the “Wayne” for someone or some organization. The world desperately needs your selfless dedication.
