This past weekend I had the opportunity to meet with a small group of women in my community for a casual afternoon of doing nothing more than visiting and encouraging one another. And of course there was plenty of laughter and “girl talk.”

I’m happy to report that, for the most part, I managed to behave myself… Well, other than shouting out as the hostess’s hubby attempted to sneak through the kitchen,
“Is this the stripper you promised??”

He turned rather red and disappeared quickly so maybe i should have introduced myself first but hey – girls just wanna have fun right? 😉

We took a moment and went around the room, each of us telling something about our lives and what we do… It was a rather eclectic group and by the time we neared the end we realized we could start a multinational corporation using the skills of the women attending. (Note: never, ever underestimate the value of a group of women working together!)

One of the last women to speak up was a beautiful lady who is a Nurse Practitioner. Someone asked what that is and I interrupted with “that’s a doctor who takes their time and listens to you!”  No offense intended to you MD’s and DO’s – I’m awfully grateful for you! Our experience has always been really excellent with Nurse Practitioners too.

She went on to explain that while she’s been working in cardiology since moving to Florida recently, her past experience and passion is working in oncology. As she continued answering questions about what it’s like to work with cancer patients one of the other ladies mentioned how difficult it must be to work day in and day out with people who are dying.

I absolutely loved this precious woman’s response – and I hope never, ever to forget it. She said:

I can’t always change the outcome ~
but I can affect the journey.

Wow. Just wow.

I wonder how many times we look at a situation that’s just too sad or too big or too “much” and get overwhelmed so we don’t do anything. We wonder – how can our “little bit” help when the need is oh so great?

But it can – and does – matter.

It’s whatever is in your hand now, that is what you are responsible for. Today… What you can do today.

Maybe you can do better or do more tomorrow,
but don’t let that cause you to miss out on what you have to offer
right this moment. 

Sometimes it might just be a hug, a listening ear, a note of encouragement…

But you have, in your ability right as you are today, something that someone else needs.

Be generous with it ~ that’s the fastest way to make sure your gifts grow.

And it’s the quickest way to begin to understand your own value. And if you’re feeling a bit worn out – as if you’re little bit doesn’t mean much – I’d love to remind you how very uniquely valuable you are to the ones in your life. You have exactly what you need to touch the people around you. The world needs you. Your community needs you. Your family needs you. You matter. And what you provide by living a life of giving is absolutely perfect – for such a time as this. Thank you.