A drop in the ocean

I have been out delivering posters today to advertise all the good things that are happening in my town over the Christmas period. Most of the shopkeepers and business owners were very pleased to find out the councillors were doing something, because, like many towns across the country, the town centre and retailers are struggling here.
A few shop keepers were negative. One said, "Pretty soon the town will be gone, with all the businesses closing."
That got me thinking again about the need for a positive attitude in life. It is just so easy to be negative and to focus on what you haven't got.
I am an optimist by nature. I do get pushed down by circumstances, but haven't the energy to stay depressed for long.
I have also always believed that one person can make a difference in this world.
This is probably because of stories we were told in assemblies (many moons ago) about people who had made a mark in history- people like Florence Nightingale, Emeline Pankhurst, David Livingstone, Mahatma Gandhi and Jesus. Each of them had a vision that was larger than themselves and battled on in the face of opposition to make a difference to the society in which they lived.
A few years ago, I watched the film "Amazing Grace"* which was about the life of William Wilberforce, who was a giant amongst those who have changed history (yet did not see the changes he fought for during his lifetime.) He struggled with bitter opposition on many sides, yet held true to his fundemental belief that all men were equal and that none should be slaves. His life is truly inspirational.

There are many wrongs and problems in society. People say, "What can I do? It's just a drop in the ocean."

Well my "drop" this week is taking posters round to advertise the town, but I'm not stopping there. One person can make a difference. We can't all be Mahatma Gandhi or Mother Theresa, but every life makes ripples.

*If you haven't seen "Amazing Grace" I thoroughly recommend it. www.amazinggracemovie.com

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."  Philippians 4:8