Small Things; Big Consequences

In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love.

- Mother Theresa

Small things. Like deferring. Waiting. Seeking God. Hoping. Saying encouraging things in encouraging ways, and hard things in ways that are best for the other person to hear. Embracing reality. Making yeast rolls at the last minute before dinner, and homemade strawberry shortcake for dessert. Listening to conversation through the chatter-static of tinnitus, despite the fact that it hurts. Accepting visitors’ dog hair on the carpet, cracker crumbs on the couch, clutter and piano pounding and general mayhem. Standing firm when it would be easier to bend, when it is right to do so - or bending when it would be easier to stand firm, when it is right to do so. Bearing the burdens of others voluntarily out of sincere interest; questioning them about the details of their lives, inviting interaction, and showing interest in their pain/suffering. Extending grace. Expressing emotion and giving counsel appropriate to the relationship and situation – no more, no less. Showing appreciation in ways that can't be ignored. Doing the dishes (laundry, housecleaning, whatever) for the ga-zillionth time…as a willing servant and with joy. Believing the best about people even when they prove you wrong. Expecting little of others; expecting God’s presence. Biting your tongue, even when you have good reason to blow off. Putting up with inconvenience. Representing God-given convictions. Resting in the knowledge that God is in control. Looking at life through relational lenses instead of seeing everything as another project in a long to-do list (people included).

I was already familiar with this quote from Mother Theresa, but these are some of the stream-of-consciousness-type-thoughts that came to mind as I re-read it this evening. Small things can, and do, have big consequences.