“Wash the plate not because it is dirty nor because you are told to wash it, but because you love the person who will use it next.” – St. Teresa of Calcutta

(And it you live alone, this still applies, by the way.)

I loved this quote because it serves as a reminder that even our smallest actions matter.

The person who spits their gum into the trash can instead of on the sidewalk is preventing someone else from getting it stuck to their shoe.

Someone who parks within the lines instead of double parking in a lot or garage is giving someone else adequate space for their car.

The person who picks up after their dog is keeping someone else from dealing with a stinky mess underfoot.

And so on and so forth.

Little things mean a lot — and the implications for the future and for others are real. I have to think that the world would be so much better off if we all paused and considered how our actions have the potential to demonstrate a love of neighbor; we are able to choose whether we want to help or hurt them.