The Significance of One

One of my favorite subjects to teach is teamwork, and while that is a tremendously important topic, we should never forget the power and significance of “one” and of individual effort.

Edward Everett Hale said, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

Maybe you’ve looked at how massive the world and its needs are, and felt that your potential impact is miniscule. Or maybe you’ve looked at those with massive influence and felt that your contribution is insignificant.

This reminds me of the oft-told story of an old man, walking along the beach at dawn after the receding of the tide. There were countless stranded starfish on the beach, and he was walking carefully to avoid stepping on them. As he walked, he came upon a small boy who was picking up a starfish to return it to the sea. He asked the boy what he was doing, and the boy responded that if he didn’t act, it would die as the sun rose. With a bit of cynicism in his voice, the man told him that were untold thousands of starfish on the beach, so how could his efforts possibly make a difference. The boy responded, “It makes a difference to this one” as he threw it into the waves.

Jesus had articulated the same belief in Luke 15 when he talked about the one lost coin, the one lost sheep, and the one wayward son. Jesus talked about all the rejoicing that took place over each one that was found. People love big projects and big endeavors, but never be afraid to start small or to take a single step. Mother Teresa said, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” She also said, “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.”

If you ever doubt the significance of one, think about:

• One mosquito in the tent
• One tooth that aches
• One tire out of alignment
• One pebble in your shoe
• One splinter in your finger
• One hair in your soup
• One string out of tune

One matters.

One works positively as well.

• One kind word
• One “thank you”
• One cup of cold water
• One pat on the back
• One act of generosity
• One call or text to a friend
• One helping hand

We love the stories of Jesus with the multitudes, but never forget his one-on-one encounters with people across the social spectrum. He engaged in conversation with the learned and respected Nicodemus, but he also spoke kindly to the socially ostracized woman at the well. We appreciate his miracles among the masses, but we must never forget that he said “whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold… shall by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42 NKJV).

You matter. What you do matters. The people you encourage matter. Remember what C.S. Lewis said, “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” You are of infinite value and worth, and so is everyone you will come in contact with today. Do one thing. Speak one word. Make a difference.