Yes, I admit it. I actually teared up (don’t tell anybody!). I bet you did too though. Remember one of those stories the news ran about that famous individual with phenomenal success going back to their hometown to thank that special person who invested in them and sent their life on a trajectory to excellence? Do you remember how you were moved when you heard the tear-felt words of appreciation spoken about someone who never suspected the results of their actions? Pass me a hankie.

Wow, what a difference a life can make…when that life is committed to investing in others with no dreams of reward. The selfless act of valuing not only the brightest people in our spheres but the seemingly unpromising as well is powerful beyond words. There is nothing like this and it crosses all genders and ages and races.

I have personally had that same experience in my life. I can think back to that one particular teacher who looked past my outward appearance and saw possibilities in me that were beyond my comprehension. I was on the path to being a negative statistic at a young age and one person took the time to say “You can do better than this. Let’s turn this around today.” His words AND actions began the turning point in my life. Thank you Mr. Hicks from John Hay High School in Cleveland Ohio.

I am sure you have a similar story. It’s not mandatory that you have a crisis in your life to receive an infusion of hope and promise. These gifts are beneficial to everyone in all facets of life and the seeds sown bear fruit in the most marvelous ways.

Years from today, will someone pause and say that you were the one who made the difference in their life? It may not be as dramatic as when we see it unfolded on the news with bright lights and cameras as witnesses, but that doesn’t make it any less significant. Someone needs what only you can give.

Our constant quest for excellence in our ministry is not for the vain trophy of bragging rights to superiority in our fields. Our quest for excellence is to enable us to be more effective instruments in the hands of God. It’s not about us. It should never be about us.

First, we all give thanks to God for the small part that each of us is allowed to play. Our rewards come in the form of priceless payments of peace of mind, satisfaction in life, and the healing energy of the flow of love. And as we enjoy real quality in life we will do all in our power to help others enjoy a better quality of life too.

Mahalia Jackson made famous the song whose words said so much:

If I can help somebody, as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song,
If I can show somebody, how they’re travelling wrong,
Then my living shall not be in vain.

If I can do my duty, as a good man ought,
If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought,
If I can spread love’s message, as the Master taught,
Then my living shall not be in vain.

So bring excellence into what you do. Value the opportunities you have right now to influence lives for good. Slow down a bit. We only pass this way once so why not make it as meaningful as possible?