A young friend shared this powerful poem by Edward Everett Hale with me today:

I am only one, but still I am one.

I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.

And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

We were talking about her work this past weekend in West, TX, where she spent time helping family members sift through what’s left of their home.  She talked about the fact that at least they were given the chance to go through belongings while others still cannot survey the damage to their homes.  She discussed the tremendous outpouring of support, encouragement, and love being shown to the entire community as they search, sift, honor, memorialize, and begin to build their new normal, “much like the strong folks in Boston right now.”

On another note, we also talked about Earth Day and those things we need to do everyday to protect the only home we know, our Earth.  She shared these powerful words with me too:

If you can, plant a tree or a garden to suit; Be good to the soil, and the seed will bear fruit.

Even one small green plant will help cleanse the air; indoors or outdoors—it helps everywhere.

No planet is like it, not Venus nor Mars; our home has such beauty it outshines the stars.

Treat it with thoughtfulness.  Treasure its worth.  Tend it with loving . . . Long live the Earth!  (Meighan Morrison)

So, accept the challenge on both fronts today (and everyday) because here’s hoping you find multiple ways to do something to help others in need and take care of Earth…even if you are only one!  🙂