The small things

The evolution of television has moved from old black-and-white boxed sets with manual operation to the current remote control of any-sized flatscreen.
After watching this changing entertainment piece for years, I have learned to appreciate its more simplistic era. At my fingertips is the possibility of any movie, comedy, etc. I desire, yet I find myself returning to the old black-and-whites of the ‘60s.
The drama between Matt Dillon, Miss Kittie, and Chester Good is suspenseful. In contrast, Leave It to Beaver and The Andy Griffith Show provide comedy and depict a lifestyle of days gone by. When color became a part of our viewing pleasure, the antics of Gilligan and friends invited us to their “tropical island nest.”
Something about these old shows is comforting in our fast-paced society. Much like our entertainment, the world pushes us to seek bigger and better. However, I have learned that the ostensibly small details have impacted my life significantly.
Details like remembering the grace with which my Mom accepted wildflowers, knowing her allergies would flare up.
Also reminiscent are memories of my daughter’s tiny hands giving me wildflowers while her twin brother was excited about picking sticks for me. With two vases, I arranged a bouquet of flowers and a bouquet of sticks. I also remember a 3-year-old tugging at the comforter, saying she “woke up the sunshine for me.”
These simple, small memories still uplift me 30 years later.
It’s not just the memories of the small things that bring joy, but also the knowledge that what we do today can drastically influence our tomorrows.
Scripture teaches us that we are all given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Regardless of how small, this faith can move mountains (Mark 11:22-23), even if it’s just one shovel full at a time. My grandson, Conway, is 9 years old, and his small measure of faith sends me a daily scripture via text – a small thing that has a precious effect on my mornings.
An African proverb states: “If you think small things can’t make a difference, just spend a night with a mosquito and see how quickly your perspective changes.”
We are taught that the tiny mustard seed is the smallest of seeds. Nevertheless, when this seed is planted and attended to, it will become the greatest shrub in the garden. It will provide shelter and rest for all that come to its branches (Luke 13:18-19). However, we need to be willing to grow the seed. For example, our church food pantry is like a mustard seed, small in size, yet we meet the need and replenish it.
There is a story of a crowd of hungry people sitting on a mountainside. A little boy with a sack lunch of bread and fish gave his small portion to the Lord. In the hands of Jesus, this small gesture became enough to feed thousands of people (John 6:1-13). We do not need to be a mega-church to accomplish great things for the Kingdom of God; we only need a willing heart.
What can we give to the Lord today? Those old black-and-white programs remind us that we do not always have to go big in life.
When we embrace gestures of kindness, we can weave a tapestry of love and hope that transforms our lives and the world around us. Understand the tiniest seeds can produce a greater purpose when given to the Lord. Let our work be the small thing that makes a huge difference today.
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

Cheryl Mixon-Cruce is Pastor of Ochlockonee Bay United Methodist Church and Sopchoppy United Methodist Church.