There’s a scene in the movie, “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” that I’ll never forget.
Gandalf is asked why he decided to bring Bilbo on his quest. His reply still rattles in my mind:
“Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? I don’t know. Perhaps because I am afraid, and he gives me courage.”
A light doesn’t have to be big to be bright. Many times, a smile, a helping hand, a listening ear, a prayer, and a simple gift can turn a bad day into a better one.
With everything going on in the world right now, things seem darker than ever. As a pastor, I’m talking to more and more people who are losing hope. They’re discouraged by what’s happening in our culture as they struggle to tackle everything that’s going on in their own lives.
It’s easy to look at everything that’s happening and thing, “What can I possible do about all of this? What can I do about any of it?” Thankfully, Gandalf offer us a better way.
We can’t change everything that’s going on in the world, but we can do something to bring a little light to our corner of it. By encouraging someone, empathizing with what they’re going through, and doing something that lets them know they’re not alone can make all the difference in their life – and your’s.
It’s not our job to fix everything that’s going wrong in the world. We have a Savior who’s still got the whole world in his hands.
What if we decided to let our small acts of kindness each day hold the darkness at bay.? It probably won’t change the world, but it could be the start to changing the world of someone who is in your world.
Jeff McClung 
Well said Jeff. I’m reminded of the saying that “we can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Thank you!