The Big-ness of Little Things

Lately, I've been impressed by how small things have produced such big effects.

The M&M fanatic in me, who knows that they were D10 on the candy machine when I was in school, can't fathom how so much yumminess is tucked into each pill-sized candy. They make me smile. Every time.

When my electricity went out twice in one night last month, I realized the magnitude of candlelight. By lighting a single candle, I could illuminate a vast area and find my way in the darkness.

In my continual quest for relief from my allergies, I've experienced how the slight prick of a needle can ultimately bring relief. I never thought I'd be one for acupuncture, but having five tiny needles placed in my sinuses for a short period of time produced over three hours of relief.

Though I don't have little ones of my own, I listen intently to the stories my friends share regarding what their children are saying. Deeply profound statements about life and faith spill forth out of their little mouths on a regular basis, and I never cease to be amazed.

A handwritten note penned on a space no larger than 3" x 5" can be huge, especially if it has encouraging words written on it.

And a feverish prayer whispered once in the midst of chaos may have eternal significance.

All of these little things and their big effects encourage me. They remind me that I don't have to bring about world peace or find the cure to cancer--neither of which I'm likely to do--in order to have a lasting positive effect. Instead, I need to do my small part. And that can be as simple as planting my "mustard seeds," in whatever form they take.

Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like,or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade. (Mark 4:30-32)