"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop."

Sometimes we feel like the little things we do don’t really make a difference in the grand scheme of things, right? Like recycling that one plastic bottle, or helping out a neighbor with their groceries—it can seem so insignificant. But here’s the thing: every single small act matters. Imagine the ocean as all the good in the world. Even the tiniest drop in that ocean counts. Without it, the ocean isn’t quite complete.

Think about Mother Teresa. She’s known for her incredible humanitarian work, but even she understood that the tasks she performed each day were small. Yet she believed that each one was essential. During her time in the slums of India, she and her fellow nuns would pick up one sick person at a time, take them back to their hospice, and care for them. It wasn’t about saving millions in one grand gesture, but about the cumulative impact of countless small acts of kindness.

Let’s bring it down to something more relatable. Think about a community garden. Imagine a vacant lot in your neighborhood—just dirt and trash. One day, you decide to plant a flower. It’s just one flower, and it feels like it won’t change much. But then a neighbor sees it and decides to plant a few vegetables. Another person plants a tree. Over time, that once empty lot blossoms into a thriving garden, filled with life and beauty. Each small contribution added up to something wonderful.

So how do you apply this idea to your own life? Start by recognizing the value in every small action. Sure, it might seem trivial to pick up a piece of litter, but if everyone did it? Our streets would be cleaner. Smile at a stranger, help someone with their groceries, donate a few dollars to a cause you care about. These are all 'drops' that collectively fill the ocean with kindness and goodness.

Consider a story to drive this home. Let’s say there’s a young woman named Sarah who volunteers at a local food bank every Saturday. She often feels like her few hours of sorting cans and packing boxes don’t make a huge difference. But one day, a man who regularly visits the food bank tells her that the meals he receives have been a lifeline, helping him get back on his feet after losing his job. Sarah’s small act of giving her time had a ripple effect, contributing to someone’s journey toward stability and hope.

It’s easy to feel like our efforts are just tiny drops in the ocean. But remember, the ocean is made up of countless drops. Each one matters, and without them, the ocean wouldn’t be whole. So the next time you feel like what you’re doing is too small to make a difference, remember the ocean—and the power of every single drop. We’re all part of something much bigger than ourselves. And that’s pretty amazing when you think about it.