“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.”
– William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

We live in a weary world. We struggle with terrorism, racism, sexism, ageism – every “ism” you can imagine.  We live in a world in which acts of violence are committed on a daily basis.  We live in a world in which women and children are victims of abuse, human trafficking, and prostitution.  And when you consider that there are 7 billion people in the world, it is hard to believe that one person can make a difference.

However, one person can make a difference. Our good deeds do shine in this weary world.  That is because a good deed is not limited to just the deed itself.  Let me give an example.

We have neighbors who are Muslims. They have three very beautiful, responsible, highly educated daughters.  One of them used to be my daughter’s babysitter.  When she babysat, she never spent her time looking at her phone or watching television.  Instead, she befriended my daughter.  They would talk and laugh.  They would play board games and make cookies together.

Interestingly, her good deed was not simply being a top-notch babysitter. When she babysat, she modeled for my daughter the qualities of kindness and good humor.  She was an example to my daughter that every religion has people of outstanding quality.  And she showed my daughter the proper way to interact with children younger than her.  As a result, when my daughter tutored a younger girl this past summer, my daughter knew exactly how to interact with this girl with the right balance of kindness, gentleness and good humor.

Good deeds are that powerful. They extend beyond the deed itself.  That is because when you do a good deed, others are watching.  The people watching may be your children, family members, friends, or even strangers.  And when they see you helping others or modeling a positive attitude, you very well may inspire them to do the same.

Given how much we hear on the news about the terrible things that happen in this world, it is easy to lose heart and think that our good deeds have no effect. You may think, “How can I, just one person, make a difference?”  I assure you that you can.  On a daily basis, we have so many opportunities to do good deeds.  Every day, we are presented with opportunities to show others kindness, patience and generosity.  Every person we encounter can benefit from our positive attitude.

This week, think of what good deeds you could do to help or encourage others. Your good deeds are powerful.  Even one kind word can turn around another person’s bad day.  Your gentleness could comfort an animal.  Your positive attitude could inspire a child.  Your power is incredible.  Your good deeds truly can shine in a weary world.