One Word at a Time
by Jackie Alvarez

I received the greatest compliment that I’ve ever received a couple of weeks ago. And I’m still thinking about it. There in the midst of a crowded room, my friend leaned over and used the most profound words I’ve ever heard anyone use to describe me. It was the kind of compliment that was unexpected, but it came right at the perfect time. Right when I was questioning myself. And it made a world of difference!

My friend’s words weren’t powerful to just anyone – but they were personal to me. It meant that the small things actually do make a difference. It meant that someone noticed when I took the high road. It meant it was worth it.

And, it’s made my world a better place.

My friend didn’t realize how great of an impact those words would have on me. And it got me thinking about simple honesty and wondering if my words could change someone else’s world.

When I think about changing the world, I have illusions of grandeur. I want to leave this world a better place than when I got here. I have visions of rescuing girls out of sex-trafficking. I hope that one day I can buy completely organically and only support Fair Trade commerce. I dream of travelling to faraway places where I can serve the needy. I want to adopt orphans and to feed the hungry.

I have big dreams – dreams that someday I can be more involved. But in this season of my life, changing the world might look more like what my friend did for me: Sharing words of encouragement, affirming others and enriching those around me.

I may not be changing the whole world with my simple words. But it’s what I can do. And hopefully it will change someone’s world too. And who knows – maybe they’ll go on to change someone else’s world.

It’s the simple things, such as letting my best friend know I appreciate the way she always knows what to say in tough situations. It’s encouraging an elderly person that their life experiences still matter. It’s making sure my neighbor knows I notice how nice they keep their yard. It’s sharing with a friend how I’m continually encouraged by her perseverance. It’s seeing beyond me to notice how those around me make my world better. And in turn, maybe I can make their world a little better by noticing.

Jackie Alvarez is the Editorial Coordinator at MOPS International. This year she’s “living small” in hopes that the little things will eventually lead to big dreams.