A drop of water in the ocean

While meditating at church, I was thinking about me, how insignificant I am like just a drop of water in the ocean. Then I heard how the ocean is comprised of lots and lots of drops of water Then how can I be significant with gazillions of drops of water? How can I make any difference? Then I was showed that the drop of water as it splashes makes a ripple that spreads out further than we can see. We do not know how others are affected by our actions.

 I have wondered if the work I am doing with survivors of adult child sexual abuse even matters. Then I  hear from people who thank me, that even when I do not feel like I making any difference, I am being shown that what is occurring does matter.

If our actions are altruistic and compassionate, we may not know how we can give that hope to someone else. Something we said, something inspirational, encouraging, an act of kindness, something sweet and lovely could be a glimmer of hope for that person. How often has someone done that for you, just when you were facing dark days? When we volunteer, share, give, receive, offer grace and mercy, so we become that pure drop of water that spreads out.

When we have a bad day, a bad life, a sour encounter, that drop of water can become toxic, tainting the water of life sustaining goodness. I can understand that sometimes, a case of throwing poison can be made, fighting poison with poison as a way to even the playing field, especially when we are feeling powerless, not heard or fearful. We get down to the other person’s level to make a point. Still it is toxic to us doling it out. It touches our pain, too.

It can be challenging to move out of being fearful and feeling vulnerable. Using toxic ways to defend yourself can also keep people away even when you are wondering why you are feeling so lonely and why is there rejection?

The oceans are a dumping ground for pollutants and even though the top of the ocean looks good, that pollution is challenging the creatures underneath the surface. Kind of a metaphor for us, right? We can look good on the outside, but underneath, we can be ready to spew pollution to others.

Do you know that one positive thought can nullify 25 negative ones? Light casts the shadows away. So when a negative thought wants to escape your lips, is there a way to change it so it does not become toxic to others and to us? We don’t have to do this perfectly. We can build on being a blessing to as many people as we can instead of that petty tyrant.