Making A Difference One Step At A Time

This week some Year 7 girls approached me and asked, “We want to reduce the pollution in the world. Is that OK?” The optimism and purpose in this question reflected the confidence and hope that the girls had for making a difference one step at a time. Over this past fortnight, we have heard about 11-year-old Abbie who created the “Her Way” digital magazine in 2021 after being frustrated with the lack of coverage of women’s sport, and we also know of several teens including Malala Yousafazi, Greta Thunberg and Nicholas Lowinger who have had impact on a global stage through taking action. When we look on a global or national scale, we can have a sense of powerlessness to make the world a better place. The reality is that we can make a difference by focusing on what we can do and acting. Small but important things of welcoming and valuing different perspectives, backgrounds and traditions and listening carefully to the needs of others and encouraging others to do the same has a multiplier effect. Similarly seeing our interdependence on nature and working to reduce our environmental footprint is the first step in making a difference. Action taken to increase the respect and care for the dignity of all people and the planet one step at a time does make a difference.

God encourages us to care for people and the planet and to see ourselves as neighbours to each other in need of love and care. We are challenged to do what we can in our own corner of the world to make a difference.