I don’t think I ever watched Dr Michael Mosley on the TV. I did note the circumstances of his death, which seem to have been due to a tragic miscalculation on his part whilst walking. As a hill walker now in his 60s, that had an uncomfortable resonance with me. What I did not expect was the real sense of sorrow and loss that many people seem to have experienced at the death of someone who I had always thought of as just another TV presenter.
Reflecting on this, I think there are several lessons I can learn from this. Firstly, it is not to underestimate the influence of small acts on peoples lives. Dr Mosley’s signature TV series was “Just one thing”; the idea that a simple change can really make a difference to our life. I’m not going to start taking ice-cold showers, but I may try brushing my teeth standing on one leg. Behind this is a bigger idea; that single, simple changes can make a real difference.
We do not need to heroic acts to improve either our own lives or the lives of those around us. Look for fair-trade goods when shopping; supermarkets now stock these because enough people decided they would buy them.
I was also struck by an interview with Dr Mosley’s widow; how he was a shy man who would have been surprised at the reaction to his death. In all probability, he never really knew the impact his series of small acts was having on people; the TV presenter has no personal contact with the viewers who watch her/his programme. But that impact is real. We also will never really know the impact doing just one thing may have on others. It is enough that we do it. And for me, to leave the rest to God.
Rev. David Poyner