This past weekend my daughter and her friend held their first annual Jax Humane Society Dog Wash & Bake Sale.  They planned for weeks; recruiting other girls to help, determining their budget, making a shopping list, mapping the layout of the event, developing the advertising, etc.  They thought of every little detail including training their volunteers on everything from how to wash a dog to the importance of hand sanitizing between pet washes and poopy pick-ups.  They put flyers out the week before and signs up the day of.  Then, with everything set up and all their friends ready to work, they sat and waited.  Of course they were so excited they were ready two hours early!  

As I watched their faces, full of anticipation and sweat (did I mention it was HOT), I said a silent prayer that people would indeed show up.  I gave them a little pep talk that no matter what happened today they were heros for conceiving of this idea.  I wasn't sure if I was talking to them or myself.  I mean, what if no one came?  Would we parents have to buy back all the baked goods we'd helped our tweens make?  Would we have to spend the rest of the weekend pumping up their deflated egos?  Oh ye of little faith!

At the appointed start time the people...and their dogs...came...and came...and came.  They bought cookies and brownies, lemonade and tea.  They helped wash dogs or visit with other dog owners.  People without dogs came to show their support.  They wrote big checks and paid extra cash for everything.  They laughed.  They shared stories.  

In the end, the girls washed nearly 30 dogs and raised $500.  Even more than that, they proved to themselves and to everyone who heard about their idea that with a little faith and a whole lot of work, you can make a difference.

Be encouraged today that you are a difference maker.  Donate $5 to your favorite charity.  Take 10 minutes to send a card or make a phone call.  Take15 minutes to visit a shut-in or hospital patient.  It WILL matter.  And it WILL encourage others that they matter.