Thought for Thursday, October 11th

October 11, 2012

Sometimes It’s About the Little Things

“The simple gifts of a little smile and a little love can make even the darkest days seem much brighter.”

-       Doe Zantamata

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians   4:31-32

In life, sometimes it is not the biggest things that make a difference; but rather it is those small, sometimes almost seemingly insignificant things that can mean the most:  especially on a moment by moment or day by day basis.

Obviously there are those major events that affect our lives in big ways; but it is not those major events that help us get through the daily challenges and frustrations of life.  It is rather, those small acts of kindness, love and compassion that God wants us to demonstrate to each other with regularity.

I have often been told by many folks that they don’t feel that God has anything for them to do: but I contend that if we share a smile, show an interest, lend a hand or sometimes even just take the time to listen: that in and of itself can often be an act of ministry.

So many of us think that ministry is only those big things that are visible that we see done by someone: when often more of the ministry work that needs to be done within the body of Christ are those little things, which in the long haul make the biggest differences.

So the next time you’re wondering what you can do to make a difference for the glory of the Lord: remember it is often those little things that really matter: and be ready and watchful for opportunities to do them.  And be amazed at how much God can give you to do and what a big difference those little things can become in the lives of those around you.

Today’s Prayer

Father, sometimes it seems easier to give time and attention to those things that we consider big or significant that you call on us to do: when in reality we need to spend just as much if not even more time doing the little things.  Help me to be more dutiful and attentive to the little things too.

“Purify my heart

Let me be as gold

And precious silver

Purify my heart

Cleanse me from within

And make me holy

Refiner’s fire

My hearts one desire

Is to be holy

Set apart for You my Master

Ready to do your will.“

-  Lyrics from ‘Refiner’s Fire’ by Brian Doerksen