Recently I performed for a volunteer appreciation night for more than 200 church volunteers at a fellowship in Rochester, NY, not far from where I grew up, and make my home today.
They were a wonderful audience—perfect for a comedian. I closed with a personal story, to illustrate that what we do matters, regardless of how small we think our role might be. This was my first time at this church to perform inspirational comedy, but it wasn’t my first time there.
As a 16-year-old kid, I drove all the way into the city to sit in this church’s parking lot, waiting with anticipation for a Christian rock festival they were hosting—all day with several bands. I brought a lawn chair and a friend, and we got there early. Very early.
Ready to Rock
As we sat in the near empty parking lot, my friend wondered why I had been in such a rush to get there. Didn’t he understand? As a teenage kid with a love for Jesus and rock music, I knew this was going to be epic—the greatest event ever. I was convinced more than a thousand people would be there and we—me and my friend—had to arrive early enough to claim a prime spot for an event which would make Christian rock history.
About 17 people showed up.
I didn’t care. It was awesome. I watched every band with delight. I remember thinking how cool it would be to travel the country and stand on a stage performing and sharing the Good News of Jesus. I had no inclination at the time that I would one day do that very thing. But a dream was birthed in my heart, a quiet, small dream which grew and grew.
Years later I toured the country with my best friends, stood on many stages, performing Christian rock and sharing the hope of Jesus. And yes, sometimes for 17 people.
One Person, One Small Act
I was in that parking lot on that Saturday with a friend and a lawn chair because some volunteer hung a flier somewhere – on a light pole or at a bookstore, wherever.
That person probably had no idea that one seemingly insignificant act would create an eternal impact, not only in my life but by extension, perhaps many others.
Maybe on the big day that volunteer scoffed at the low attendance. Or wondered why they had worked so hard for so few numbers. Or, asked what it had all been for. Well, it meant something to me.
Don’t ever think your act of service is too small or insignificant. We serve a big God who uses the little things to make deep impacts. Please remember, when you are setting up chairs, tearing down tables, baking cookies, stuffing bulletins or . . . hanging fliers–You Matter.
Because, one small act of service certainly mattered . . . to me.
Dan Kulp is an inspirational comedian, actor, keynote speaker, and author of the book, Confounding the Wise: A Celebration of Life, Love, Laughter, Adoption and the Joy of Children. He can be found online at KulpOnline.Com.
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