Alone, none of us can accomplish everything that needs to be done, but we can do our part knowing that our efforts will create a ripple effect that will join with others to form waves of change that will move throughout our community.
Alone, none of us can accomplish everything that needs to be done, but we can do our part knowing that our efforts will create a ripple effect that will join with others to form waves of change that will move throughout our community.
For people of my generation, many of us grew up reading the children’s book, The Little Engine That Could. In the book, a small engine is called upon to step in and take the place of pulling a train full of important cargo over a mountain to deliver it safely to those waiting for its contents. Though the task seems impossible the little engine begins to climb the mountain with great effort – all the while it strains against the weight of the train – it could be heard repeating to itself, “I think I can… I think I can… I think I can!” Finally, seemingly against all odds, the little engine finally crests the hill and succeeds in the important task and on the way down the other side of the mountain the little engine could be here congratulating itself saying, “I thought I could…I thought I could…I thought I could.”
There are days that the work ahead of us can seem overwhelming and we can feel too small to accomplish what needs to be done. On days like this Francis of Assisi advises us:
“Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
The simple wisdom of the Little Engine That Could is that if we remain confident – and try – we can accomplish more than we may think.
The author Edward Everett Hale reminds us that even though we may not be able to do everything – our effort is still important and meaningful:
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”
Any time that we work towards helping others, lifting up the community, bringing more peace, justice and completeness into the world our efforts have value, importance and impact.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. expressed this thought beautifully when he said:
“No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”
Alone, none of us can accomplish everything that needs to be done, but we can do our part knowing that our efforts will create a ripple effect that will join with others to form waves of change that will move throughout our community.
If you ever find yourself feeling small in the face of the work ahead, please remember that you are part of a community of colleagues, volunteers and friends and – together – we are capable of so much more than any one of us alone.
Take care,
Carl
Carl E. Josehart, MSW (he/him/his)
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