“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But if that drop were not there, I think the ocean would be less by that missing drop. — Mother Teresa”
Today’s quote come from well known Catholic nun Mother Theresa. A controversial figure during her life and after her death, Teresa was admired by many for her charitable work. After years of working with the poorest of the poor, she was cannonised (recognised as a saint) by the Catholic Church.
Every Drop In The Ocean Counts
Mother Teresa’s quote is a great reminder to stop and appreciate what we bring to the table. Each of us has an opportunity to makes a difference in the world in our own simple way. Everyone has gifts, passions, knowledge, skills and experience that we can be shared. Mother Teresa served the poorest of the poor with the basics of what she had to offer. Through the little things … she created big things.
Some Other Interesting Fact About Mother Teresa
Here’s a few other interesting facts you may not know about Mother Teresa.
Her Missionary Work
Mother Teresa moved to Ireland from Macedonia at the age of 18 with a view to becoming a missionary, and then spent most of her life living in India. It was on an annual retreat in India that she experienced a spiritual ‘call’ to work with the poorest of the poor. This became her life’s work
She started in missionary work with the poor in 1948. In 1952 she founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1952 . The charity had over 4,500 sisters and was active in 133 countries in 2012. The congregation manages homes for people dying of HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis; soup kitchens; dispensaries and mobile clinics; children’s- and family-counselling programs; orphanages, and schools. Members, who take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, also profess a fourth vow: to give “wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor”.
Public Recognition
During her lifetime she was among the top 10 women in the annual Gallup’s most admired man and woman poll 18 times, finishing first several times in the 1980s and 1990s, and in 1999 she headed Gallup’s List of Most Widely Admired People of the 20th Century,
Mother Teresa also received a number of honours including:
- Ramon Magsaysay Peace Prize, 1962
- Nobel Peace Prize, 1979
- Recognition by the Catholic Church as a saint (cannonisation), 2016
You Are An Important Drop In The Ocean
Remember – YOU are an important drop in the oceans of the world. Who you are and what you do makes a difference. So here’s five great questions to ask yourself:
- What unfulfilled goals and aspirations do you have?
- What do you feel inspired or called to do in your life and in the world?
- What legacy do you want to leave?
- Who do you need to become to make the level of impact you want to achieve?
- How will you implement your vision?
Every drop in the ocean counts. And that includes you and what you bring to the world. Take action today to implement your goals and vision.
I’d love to hear from you, so please share your thoughts below …
With warm regards
Lisa