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May 12, 2005
Small Is Big
So many people say to me, “I wish I could do something great with my life.” Or, “I wish I could collect enough money to build twenty orphanages in Pakistan.” Someone actually said to me today, “I want to make a big difference or I don’t want to do anything at all.”
We often forget, myself included, that sometimes the smallest difference can have the biggest impact. We don’t need a mammoth mission in life to do something incredible with our time here on earth. Being a good friend, a great parent, showing compassion, being a good listener and even simply just being there for someone who is scared and lonely can have a huge impact.
Not everyone is destined to be Mother Theresa or Nelson Mandela but so many people feel that their life will be of little value unless they do something on a large scale. This is not true. Often it comes down to one act of kindness, one word of encouragement, one expression of gratitude, or one act of determination. Small things are important because they often have big results.
It reminds me of a story my mum once shared with me about a beautiful new church that was built somewhere in Europe. People came from far and wide to marvel at its magnificence.
On the roof, a little nail heard the people praising everything about the lovely edifice except the nail. No one even knew he was there. He became so disillusioned that he decided to quit. So he let go of his hold, slid down the roof and fell into the mud. That night it rained heavily and the shingle that had no nail blew away, and the roof began to leak. The water streaked the walls. The plaster began to fall, the carpet was ruined and the prayer books got so soaked they were unusable. All because a little nail didn't realize the big difference it made.
Posted by trevor at May 12, 2005 04:29 PM
Comments
Great Post today! I will be sure to incorporate it's message into my day :-)
annde
Posted by: annde at May 13, 2005 08:51 AM
As a pastor I prayed this story over a young lady struggling with her significance last night. It really touched the part that was broken. Thanks
Posted by: Gene Redlin at May 14, 2005 08:58 AM
i liked this story. it's a good lesson to be learned, b/c it is the truth.
:)
Posted by: kristen at May 14, 2005 09:36 PM
So true! This post definately echoes my own philosophy in life. My little thing is encouragement because I decided years ago that people just didn't thank or praise each other enough for things that got done, and I was determined to make it my business to do so ;) It's amazing how easily you can bring a smile to someone's face by simply telling them how much you appreciate them doing something for you - especially in a workplace environment and in a marriage where that kind of thing is usually sorely lacking. It seems to bring out the best in people.
Thanks for this great post Trevor :)
Posted by: Harmony at May 15, 2005 03:02 AM
Are you living inside my head? This is my "philosophy in life" as well.
Beautiful. Just beautiful.
Posted by: Jodi at May 19, 2005 08:12 AM