No One Can Do Everything, But Everyone Can Do Something

My friend Matt is an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and loves it. For many years now, he goes into his day dedicated to helping people – helping the people who want to be helped and helping the people who need to be helped. Matt has a number of amazing stories, and I’m going to start by sharing one of them.

One day, while on the job, Matt stopped at a local fast food place to grab a quick lunch. He parked the ambulance and began walking into the restaurant when he noticed a boy sitting out front. The boy (who seemed to be around 10 years old) was filthy and unkempt. Matt walked over to the child, took in the situation for a moment, made his greeting, asked a few questions, and then asked if the child was hungry. The child answered with a quiet, but resounding “yes.” Matt took the child inside and told him that he could order whatever he wanted. When the food was ready, Matt sat the child down at a table with his order. He said, “This is all yours. Eat as much of it as you want.” When the child paused, Matt got a to-go container. “If you can’t finish it all, put it in this box and take it with you.” The boy gratefully looked up at Matt and asked, “Really??” He replied, “Really.”

The boy began eating as Matt got his own to-go container of lunch. Before he left to return to work, Matt turned to the boy. “You can do this,” he said. “No matter what happens, you remember that there is an EMT out there who believes in you.” And with that, he left to get back to the truck.

After hearing that story, I’m left with one primary thought. Whether you have the time, the money or the energy, you can help someone. Take in your surroundings. See the things, people, and feelings that might be hiding in the shadows. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Hopefully we can all offer a small gift to someone who might need it, whether that be emotional or physical. I am sure that what Matt did and said had an impact on this little boy. He’ll remember the EMT that is still thinking about him. And hopefully, he’ll pay it forward when he has the opportunity.

Do you have a story of hope or encouragement that you’d like to share? Email me and let me know about it!