"For who has despised the day of small things?” Zechariah 4:10a
It’s the small things that make a difference.
Sometimes I think that the little acts of kindness here and there, don’t make much of a difference. Those seemingly little insignificant moments of forgiveness extended to someone who has done me wrong. The bits of time given here and there to those who ask of it. Even the small compliment to an unsuspecting stranger. Seemingly insignificant and innocuous, these intentional choices can be the balm for deep emotional and hidden wounds.
I’ve received a text today from a friend whose family I’ve known for 16 years. We haven’t always had consistent contact over those 16 years, but as of late, we’ve been walking through some difficult times together. After visiting him today he texted me later, “Thanks for being such a blessing to me. I will text you sometime for prayer. BTW: the quality I most admire in a person, especially one In leadership is HUMILITY. You have it in spades.” At the risk of someone reading this and judging me on posting this, it reminded me, again, that it’s the little things over time that make a difference.
Those closest to me would be able to tell you that one of my personal struggles is pride. It doesn’t (I don’t think) always flesh itself out in the most obvious and verbose of ways, but it’s there. While I don’t dismiss this kind and heartfelt text, I know the default position of my heart is not humility. In this instance, in receiving the text, it is a reminder that when the opportunity comes for me to take a position, humility is one that I should and can be intentional about.
There are attitudes and choices we can intentionally make that foster love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Those are life giving attributes! Not only for the recipients, but it fosters life in those whom the acts originate. A bit naive, but how amazing would it be if we all sought to foster that in our life and the lives of others? I want to see that happen. I can’t control others, but what I can control is me.
Being intentional to do what we can, within the scope that we have, with a steady consistency, and an unrelenting tenacity can reshape our landscape. It changes lives, it will change our life, and will shape the landscape of our community. We sow these seeds of life and in time they will bear fruit and give life to others.
This is not a new concept, but one if we take with urgency and forethought, can bring life today.
What does this look like in your context?