"If you throw a stone into a pool, the ripples go on
spreading outwards. A big stone can cause waves, but even
the smallest pebble changes the whole pattern of the water.
Our daily actions are like those ripples; each one
makes a difference.
It does matter, therefore, what each individual does
each day. Kindness, sympathy, resolution and courteous
behaviour are infectious. Acts of courage and self-sacrifice,
like those of the people who refuse to be terrorized by
kidnappers or hijackers, or who diffuse bombs,
are an inspiration to others.
And the combined effect can be enormous. If enough
grains of sand are dropped into one side of a pair of scales
they will, in the end, tip it against a lump of lead. We may
feel powerless alone but the joint efforts of individuals
can defeat the evils of our time."
~Queen Elizabeth II
(taken from the Queen's Christmas message, 1975)
This seems as applicable today as it was the year the Queen delivered her message.
I agree whole heartily that our individual efforts do count and do make a difference.
I have made a concerted effort the past to year to look people in the eye, smile and say "hello" - at the supermarket, post office, or out walking the dogs.
And 99% of the time, they reply in kind.
My own tiny ripple....
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