The headlines from Ukraine often capture the heartbreak of war – the pain, the loss, and the upheaval experienced by the country’s residents. Yet amid the devastation, American veterinary surgeon Dr. Colleen Lambo saw a different kind of suffering and felt compelled to act.
As countless Ukrainians fleeing the conflict make the heartbreaking choice to leave beloved pets behind, animal shelter populations there have swelled beyond capacity.
During at least four daring missions with Worldwide Vets, Dr. Lambo and the volunteer team have provided life-saving care by spaying and neutering hundreds of animals, as well as providing emergency vet services to countless other animals.
Simply put, Dr. Lambo loves helping animals: “I give my time because I can – and because I believe every animal deserves comfort, care, and compassion. Supporting their well-being means the world to me.”
She knows she can’t fix every problem, but she can do this. And sometimes, that’s enough.
If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way…If you can’t fly, run; if you can’t run, walk; if you can’t walk, crawl; but by all means keep moving. – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ukraine wasn’t Dr. Lambo’s first volunteer gig. Back in 2002, she started with the unglamorous work of cleaning out cages in a wild animal sanctuary. But she saw the impact she made and wanted to do more. Over time, she’s helped American rescues groups and post-wildfire relief efforts in Texas. Only when her work schedule began to have some flexibility did she make the jump to go to war-torn Ukraine.
While most of us may not be able to board a plane and travel across borders to help others, we can still serve, through our work or otherwise. Meaningful contributions don’t always require grand gestures – even the smallest actions can make a lasting impact.
Take, for instance, the humble Post-it note. Once reserved for jotting down to-do lists or marking pages in a book, Post-its are now being used by people everywhere to share happiness and encouragement—often when it’s needed most and least expected.
One touching story comes from an online post: “My mom leaves Post-it notes around our house after she visits. I leave them up until the glue gives out, then put them in a box.” The image with the post shows a note stuck to a coffee cup in the cabinet that reads “So glad to have spent time w/ you all.” And to a shelf that says “Thank you both for the most delicious [restaurant] experience last night” – all from a mother who drove 14 hours one-way just to be there!
Another post shares: “My parents house sat for me once and left funny movie quotes from our favorite movies all around the house. I live alone, and I don’t think they realize just how meaningful it is to find these cute reminders that I have people who care.”
In schools, students and teachers use Post-its to brighten someone’s day, leaving notes on lockers or desks. At Ray High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, students for the past decade have been able to take a Post-it from a hallway display with just the words they need for that day: “You’re magnificent,” “Your haircut is nice,” or “You have a good head on those shoulders.” Students say these notes have a huge impact on their mood and remind them not to take things too seriously during stressful times.
The message is simple: You don’t have to travel far to make a difference. Sometimes, a few thoughtful words on a sticky note – or spoken out loud to someone who really needs to hear them – can bring comfort, encouragement, and connection, right where you are.
Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great…because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. – Martin Luther King, Jr.
You can’t do everything, but you have something that sets you apart – something you love to do or a skill that comes naturally. Or a random thought about how to help someone in need who crosses your path. The key is to recognize what truly excites you and where your strengths lie. By channeling those gifts into helping others, you can make a real difference.
That’s the sweet spot we all strive for: doing what you love, not just for yourself, but in a way that uplifts those around you.
Lean into what makes you unique and let it be a force for good.
(Photo credit Dr. Colleen Lambo)
In celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy, his family reminds us that small actions matter, not just one day a year, but every day. To learn more about their goal to reach 100 million hours of service by the 100th anniversary of his birthday, go to www.realizethedream.org.
You matter – share this post for someone who needs to hear it today!
