Ripples v9.23: Small Steps!
6/4/07: a free weekly splash from Paul & The Ripples Project
PEBBLE
I long to accomplish a great and noble task,
but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they are great and noble.
-Helen Keller, submitted by Sarah Z., Fond du Lac WI
BOULDER
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts the soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame a goal.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what’s true.
One life can make the difference,
You see it’s up to you.
-adapted from a poem attributed to Cindy O’Connor, submitted by Linda K.,
PONDER
I have just wrapped up a simultaneously invigorating and exhausting weekend at NACURH 2007, a conference best described by Zachary from Oklahoma State who wrote in his Facebook profile that he is pooping rainbows because “NACURH is the happiest place in the world.”
Enthusiastic college residence hall leaders from all over the U.S. and Canada gathered at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the conference theme was “One Small Step” which is pretty close to our ripply idea that small actions have big potential. I wonder what would happen if all of us decided this week to take one SMALL STEP to do some unexpected nice thing for someone else without explanation, without acknowledgement, without expecting anything in return. Let’s find out, shall we?
On your mark, get set, STEP!
Peace,
Paul
