Litte Ripples Big Waves

Make a Ripple and Create a Wave

Tender little sparks of love set into motion can create sweeping changes because sometimes the most powerful spiritual lessons arrive in the smallest of gestures.

I witness examples of this daily, but this one stands out in particular. A month ago, I received one of my favorite birthday gifts: it was a card made by my nieces. This simple piece of 8x10 copy paper, folded into fours, contained all the elements of a perfect gift—thoughtfulness,the little details they knew I loved, and the unmistakable joy of time spent together creating it. When I opened it, I could feel not just my own joy, but also the joy that must have rippled through the family as the girls sat at their dining room table making it. I picture them laughing, choosing colors, and pouring their love into every word and drawing.

That joy traveled. It reached me when I opened the card, and in return, my joy echoed back to them. This is the ripple effect of energy: one small act infused with love multiplies outward, touching everyone connected to it. That little ripple created a big wave. 

The same principle applies to our daily lives. A smile exchanged at the right moment, a kind word when someone is weary, or a gentle pause instead of a sharp reaction—these are ripples. They may seem small, but they shift the energy in a room, a family, or even a whole day.

When we teach children that their energy matters, we show them how powerful they truly are. Just like tossing a pebble into a still pond, every word, every gesture, every intention creates waves that travel further than we imagine.

May your little ripples create waves of love, too. 

Reflection for Parents

• What “small ripples” have you noticed in your home lately?
• How can you encourage your child to see the impact of their kindness or joy?
• Is there a recent gesture, however small, that shifted your energy in a lasting way?