Some people think their life is only worth something if they become famous.

Or if they leave a monumental legacy.

And sure – it’s important to consider what we leave behind.

But our impact may in fact be bound up in the small.

Our lives are the culmination of lots and lots of little moments.

Gestures.

Comments.

A touch of the arm.

Kisses.

Hugs.

Gentle questions.

It’s the little things, I think, that make up a life.

Our lives really are just a bunch of infinitesimal moments of impact… both good and bad.

Each of us has the potential to hurt and heal.

To show neglect.

Or mercy.

We have the power to notice the victim.

Or look away.

To make someone’s day brighter.

Or wound them deeply.

Sometimes we get so caught up in our own distress that we fail to see that of others.

And so be changed in the process…

Look around you.

What small impact can you make today?

And how will you be impacted by what you see?

May each of us open our eyes to the hungry, the hurting, the broken, and the burnt-out.

And stop, just for a moment.

Because moments matter.

Moments, indeed, make up a life.