Simple Is Better – Be a Difference Maker
- diannevielhuber
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Proverbs 3:27 - Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
Maybe you’ve seen the Steve Hartmen story about a 4-year-old who has made a difference in his little neighborhood. After his parents divorced, Roman was lonely. He started saying “Hey!” to his neighbors and waving to them. Most of these neighbors are of the age that they could be Roman’s grandparents. Basically, they have. They have become the village that goes to his soccer games, swimming lessons, and were invited to his birthday party. These neighbors didn’t really know each other until Roman pulled them together. In a pure demonstration of loving your neighbor, this little boy has changed their neighborhood. All because he started saying, “Hey!” and waving to his neighbors.
Roman is a difference maker.
When we think of difference maker, we think of people whose names everyone knows. Abraham Lincoln. Mother Theresa. Martin Luther King, Jr. Betsy Ross. Yes, these people made a huge difference throughout their lifetime. Their names are securely recorded in history books. I’m not sure any of them expected or anticipated this. They just did what they thought was right. Kind. They valued and appreciated every single person and wanted everyone to know that they are special. And then, they lived their life in such a way that others felt it.
They were difference makers.
Here’s the deal. We don’t need to have our names etched into history books or on the side of a building or be a name that everyone knows to be a difference maker. We just have to show up in someone’s life. Today. Each day. Honor and value the people around you and demonstrate to others their value in the world. It doesn’t require a lot of money, a huge chunk of your day or a big skill set. All it takes is a “Hey!” and a wave.
These days, it seems we spend too much time and energy on identifying where our beliefs and values are different from someone else's. We want to label what our positions and beliefs are and declare ourselves as being “in” one group and who is “out” of this structure. Too often, when we feel a little threatened by the good someone else is doing, we lash out in fear and turn their goodness into a spectacle and a debate where we want people to choose sides.
Please? Can we just stop this? And choose a different path? Choose to be difference makers? Please?
It starts simply by doing one simple and small thing that makes a person feel heard. Recognized. Loved. This little thing is repeated over and over again. No recognition is desired or requested. It’s not necessary because doing the right thing is always enough.
This isn’t a novel thought. It’s a thought that has been shared thousands and thousands of times. If so, why am I repeating it? Because I think we forget that doing the right thing is really important. Finding where we can encourage someone takes so little effort. If we could just bottle up all the energy that is put into showing where we are different rather than how we can support and show up for each other, it might be amazing how we can change our neighborhoods, our communities. And yes, even each other.
Roman made one word and waved his thing. And it changed lives. What one thing can you do, over and over, that will change the lives of the people around you? Pick it. Do it. Over and over. Rinse and repeat. And be amazed at what might happen.
Be a difference maker. It’s really not that hard. Start small. Rinse and repeat.
Blessings –
Dianne
Loving God – May I never lack awe for how simple Jesus made ministry. At times, we want and try to make it difficult when, in reality, what Jesus did was show up every day. Over and over. Place it upon my heart simple ways that I can make a difference. Right here in my neck of the woods. Daily. Amen.
Looking for a bit of daily inspiration? Check out my daily affirmation posts on Facebook and Instagram (Dianne Deaton Vielhuber and Simple Words of Faith.)
Dianne’s Upcoming Unraveling Together Book Events:
Sat., July 25 – Main Street Books Event, Reedsburg, WI, 1-3 PM
Comments