You Can Still Make a Difference Today, April 27
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Dan Held
“He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches’” (Matthew 13:31-32 NIV).
Have you ever questioned your own ability to make much of a difference in today’s world? If so, cancer may have led you to question your ability even more.
When Helen Keller lost both her sight and hearing at the young age of nineteen months, she was relegated to a life of weakness. Born in little Tuscumbia, Alabama in 1880, there was so much she would not be capable of doing that the rest of us might ordinarily take for granted. She had every reason in the world to question whether she could make much of a difference. That, however, is not what happened.
By the time of her passing in 1968 at the age of eighty-seven, she had received a degree from Radcliffe College of Harvard University, published fourteen books, traveled the world advocating for human rights in thirty-nine different countries, and in 1963 was awarded America’s Presidential Medal of Freedom in the White House by then President Lyndon B. Johnson. She is remembered for borrowing and sharing this quote from her good friend Edward Everett Hale: “I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do something I can do.”
Jesus referred to the kingdom of heaven being like a mustard seed planted in a field. There it went from the smallest of seeds to become a tree suitable for nesting by birds far and near. And I wonder if He didn’t then have in mind people like Helen Keller planting seeds through her words and deeds—doing everything she could in spite of the things she could not do. Making a world of difference despite her disabilities.
Perhaps Jesus had you and me in mind as well. Even with cancer. Even today. Like the man who planted even a tiny mustard seed, with God’s help what we do today can grow into something far bigger than we can even imagine.
Pray: Heavenly Father, we confess that sometimes we doubt our ability to make a difference. Remind us today that each good deed, each kind word, like even the smallest seed, can change the world with Your blessing if we will only plant it. May we do so today through Christ who strengthens us. Amen.
Your Turn: Practice saying to yourself those words of Edward Everett Hale, “I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do something I can do.”
Dan Held, Cancer Caregiver
Dan is a cancer caregiver who lives with his wife (Sue) of 55 years in Dayton, Ohio, where Sue has been free from breast cancer and colon cancer for two years! Dan is an ordained pastor and a licensed therapist with a heart for families touched by cancer at any stage. He is dedicated to promoting the message of more love and less fear in all aspects of his ministry and life. Check out his blog at www.danielkheld.com.
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