little things mean a lot
Michelangelo was once asked why he spent so much time painting the “trifles” in his work. He replied, “Trifles make perfection, and perfection is no trifle.”
We live in a world that is enamored with BIG. Bigger is better. We need more of everything. We live in giant homes, drive large SUVs, eat big meals, work for giant corporations, enjoy an enormous economy, and we like our movies on big screens. We want our “bowl” to be “super,” not small. If three hundred horsepower is good, then five hundred must be excellent. And we’re going for great, not just good. Michigan fans are proud of owning the largest football stadium in the country. Texans want everything, well . . . big! They don’t wear one-gallon hats; they don ten-gallon hats.
Yet, I think the good life is actually made up of very little things. Little things mean a lot.
For instance, it’s just a little ring on someone’s finger, but it represents a considerable commitment. You start your day with a first small cup of coffee, but only a few ounces of aromatic liquid will brighten your day. You only lost a pound this week, but in a few weeks, you’ll get into those pants that have not fit for years. A little practice every day turns a novice into a great pianist. One degree of temperature changes liquid H2O into ice. Another slight increase in the heat makes water boil.
Little things mean a lot.
Even Bible readers are enamored with epic events. Watching the Nile River turn into blood or the Red Sea part would have been a rush. George Lucas couldn’t top fire shooting down from heaven and frying a huge altar along with several dozen pagan priests.
We tend to consider God the conductor of the gargantuan. Yet, the Almighty more often uses little people and small initiatives to accomplish His goals. The Bible records many examples. Little shepherd boy, David, overwhelmed the giant Goliath. Only 300 men defeated the enormous Midianite army. One man with a small staff, Moses, led the entire Israeli nation out of Egypt. An insignificant maid prompted the great leader, Naaman, to visit Elisha and be healed of leprosy. A little boy offered his bag lunch to Jesus, and thousands enjoyed a meal. Peter and John offered exactly zero funds to the beggar, but they could make him walk.
Jesus makes short statements such as, “I forgive you,” or “Come to me,” “Be healed,” or “Rise and walk.” Yet, His tiny proclamations change lives. Little things mean a lot.
Yesterday I received a thank you card from my sister. I recently visited her and her husband in Florida. We enjoyed time by the ocean in a beautiful condominium. She thanked me for the visit and even helped with the rental costs. This gesture was unexpected but deeply appreciated. Seemingly insignificant deeds can make someone’s day.
The extraordinary feature of this concept is that anyone can practice it. It doesn’t take much time or effort, or money to brighten someone’s day. So, why not start now. Your little things can make a big difference.
