Years ago, I read a book called The 17 Second Miracle by Jason Wright.
It’s not a long book. But its message has a lifetime of weight.
The core idea is this: you can change someone’s life in just seventeen seconds.
That might not sound like much, especially in a world that praises hustle, platform, and bold moves. But sometimes, the most powerful moments are the small ones… the ones no one sees but everyone feels.
And the truth is, it doesn’t take much:
- Carrying someone’s groceries when they’re struggling, even if it slows you down.
- Giving up a close parking spot, even if you got there first, in case someone with more need pulls in after you.
- Holding the door a few extra seconds for the person behind you.
- Looking a cashier in the eye and asking how they’re really doing, and meaning it.
- Sending a message to someone who’s been quiet lately, just to remind them they matter.
That’s all it takes.
Seventeen seconds.
To lighten someone’s load.
To restore their faith in people.
To shift their whole day, or their entire outlook.
Most of the time, we don’t even realize we’re doing it. But I’ve had people reach out years later, remembering something I said or did that stuck with them. And I’ve had moments in my life where someone did something small, but I never forgot it.
We live in a culture obsessed with big change. But real change? The lasting kind?
It happens in the margins.
It happens when you choose to care in moments when you don’t have to.
So maybe we don’t need a huge platform to make a difference.
Maybe we just need seventeen seconds of courage.
Or compassion.
Or awareness.
Because miracles aren’t always loud.
Sometimes they’re quiet.
Sometimes they look like helping someone reach the top shelf at the grocery store, or just noticing someone who feels invisible.
And sometimes… you’re the only miracle someone gets that day.
Troy P Zehnder 