When my nephew introduces himself, he states he has special needs. He turned twenty-five this month and he can’t tie his shoes or drive, but he’s a favorite employee at a large Children’s Hospital. Nurses, doctors, hospital staff know him for his smile and hard work.
He is essential. He spends hours in the hospital hallways filling hand sanitizers outside rooms. When he completes his shift, hand rails and stairwells have been cleaned. His labor kills viruses.
I wonder: Has my nephew prevented illness—or saved lives—through these menial tasks? Probably.
I’m thankful for how the Covid pandemic has shed light on what is important. Small things, even washing hands, matter.
Nothing is insignificant. Don’t overlook the importance of an act. The stink of an overflowing trash reminds me that what I do—or don’t do—adds up. My actions make a difference for myself and those around me.
I can’t control circumstances, but I can choose how I will respond. Will I sit and sour or get back on my feet? Every moment is an opportunity.
If you’re off balance from the past weeks, maybe it’s time to push a re-start button. Regardless of canceled vacations, the calendar shows summer is lining up.
And even though we don’t know what this new season might bring, we can embrace each day with this lesson: Small things matter.
As we move ahead, we know a minuscule entity that can only be seen under an electron microscope–a virus–can turn the world upside down. Let’s never forget the importance of the small.
And keep your eyes open for my nephew. Thank him for making a difference.
