Looking at the history of mankind we may think that contribution to humanity is attained by only a few really talented, skilled and important people. Be it the spiritual leaders, the scientists, the discoverers of foreign lands or the statesmen of significance we often see contribution as being reserved for the special individuals who changed the course of humanity.
This is a process of looking outwards and with comparison to our own, individual efforts in life may seem insignificant. Comparing our little self to someone else’s big self is a huge error that is not only, not useful but is so not true.
As with so many aspects of world affairs, economics, industry, health and politics to name a few, when we want clarity on life, look to the magnificent creation that is you and your body.
I suggest that every person on this planet, including you and I are an essential component of contribution to this world. There is no value in thinking about ourself as “just little ole me – I don’t matter in the big scheme of things” – YES you do matter.
It reminds me of a story of all the organs in the body gathered together in a meeting room to decide who was the most important organ of the body. The meeting kicked off and it was quite evident who the main contenders were. The brain stood up and declared that obviously this status should be awarded to it.
“After all I control all of the organs, I am the centre of everything that happens in the body”.
“Not so quick”, says the heart. “Without me no other organs would get blood”. “Settle down”, chimes in the liver. “I am the most important as I clean out the blood and add the right mixture of chemicals to the system”. And so the argument continued with one organ after the other having its say as to why it was the most important.
As things started to wind down a little voice came from the back of the room. All the organs turned around in scorn, looking down their noses as this little organ said its piece. “I am the magnificent little muscle that can determine gas from solids and regulates your waste. Some of you see me as a messy little thing and call me an arsehole but I put to you that if I didn’t exist and stopped working you and this whole body would die”. The organs of the body reluctantly agreed that it was, indeed the little and insignificant organ that made a huge contribution to their life.
When we consider the little actions of life we find the key to massive contribution to the world. Consider those people who made the biggest difference to you and your life. I’m sure that it won’t be the Edison’s, Churchills, or even Mother Theresa’s. It will be the caring touch of a team mate, the helping hand of the next door neighbor, the words of encouragement from a primary school teacher or the like.
Know that everything that you say or do(or don’t say or do) has impact that goes way beyond your immediate sphere of influence. Your life is your contribution to the world so give thanks for the bigness of your existence.
