Can we really make a difference?

Sometimes I lose heart in trying to help someone because it seems no matter how hard I try, it doesn't do any good. So, I do nothing... but that doesn't seem right either. Then I talk to my mentor/friend/spiritual guru/someone who thinks logically rather than emotionally like I do. This kind of friend is like the North Star. When I'm lost and nothing looks familiar and I feel like I'm turning around in circles, she always guides me out of the chaos and into some rational thinking. She did that with me yesterday on this topic; does what I do really matter??? It comes down to this; I can be the worst friend/mentor/helper in the world, but if someone wants to move forward or get ahead or change, they are going to do it in spite of me. I can also be the best friend/mentor/helper in the world, but if the person doesn't want to change, they are going to stay the same in spite of me. In other words, like we've heard before, we cannot change anyone. So, why do I even try??? That was my question and the answer was, it's not about trying to change someone. It's about being available for someone who's willing to change. And since I don't know who is willing to change, I need to just do my part. I need to use whatever gifts or talents I have to provide the space and support for someone to change. Then if they DO CHANGE, Hallelujah! I get to be part of the moment and share in the joy that comes with change. I can't take credit, but I can celebrate. If it means that I have to watch many, many people fail along the way, it's still worth it when I think of the one success, because that success doesn't just affect that one person, but all of the lives that person touches. And one person can touch a whole lot of lives.