In the Little Things

Service to God - whoa.  That sounds big and intimidating, doesn't it?

Letting your Light Shine - what does THAT mean, exactly?

Love your neighbor as yourself - I bet that takes a lot of time.


Sometimes, I think we look at statements like this and think that Christianity and being a servant is too big, too hard, and too complicated or time consuming for us.   We think that, surely, the things that we are doing aren't big enough to count.  Or, we think that, since we can only do a "little thing," we're better off to just not do anything.   

Yesterday, my son had a tonsillectomy and adenoid removal at a local childrens' hospital.   He was so scared leading up to it that he had nightmares, panic attacks, and episodes of sheer terror.   He wanted to be brave, but he felt so alone and small and scared. 

Then, there was this "little thing," where an older church friend told him he had to get there so early so they could load him up with ice cream.  That "little thing" gave him something to look forward to, rather than to fear.

Another teenage church friend told him this "little thing" about how his throat would be sore, but it would get better.   And he felt less alone, because this guy had been there, too.

A friend who works at the hospital did this "little thing" and brought him a coloring book, a piece of sausage from McDonald's, and TWO visits.  And he felt loved, and important, and thankful.  (Mommy felt loved when she saw the chocolate and coffee she brought, too!). 

Grandma and Grandpa showed up to be there when he woke up, and this "little thing" gave him courage to face recovery.

Nana found him some goodies to keep his restless mind occupied, and this "little thing" gave him something to show off and calm him when he hurt. 

A family with little ones showed up to visit and brought a favorite candy and card.  This "little thing" meant the world to him.

Another friend had balloons delivered by a "unicorn"  (ha!), and he showed them to everyone and then used them for nerf dart practice when he got bored.  This "little thing" wasn't so little. 

Countless friends sent cards, text messages, etc. to let him know they were thinking of him and praying for him. 

Grandaddy surprised him with a visit.  Not a "little thing" to him at all. 

All of these "little things" took minimal time and effort, yet they changed the course of things for my son.   His fear was lessened, his loneliness was subdued, and he no longer felt so "small."   In these "little things" I can see a big fulfillment of loving others.   These church friends truly did let their light shine, and while each light was a "little thing," together their glow gave him something to bask in during a dark time.   The family members who treated him reminded him he is special. 

I am so so thankful in a BIG way for these "little" things, and I am more resolved than ever to not discount the little things I am able to do to show a big love for my God.