“Don’t despise the little things” – it’s surely an adage or scripture or some such. I know I’ve encountered the idea several times through life. Perhaps I’m guilty as charged. It’s not that I want my name in lights, but it surely seems we’re running out of time for me to be counting bulbs. (Yes, metaphor, Janeen-speak.)
So tonight I read an article on “photobombing Jesus,” the desire to snag a bit of that limelight by doing more significant things. The author’s last two points weren’t about the desire to be seen, per se, but the need for a deeper exam if one is bothered about being apparently useless. Guilty as charged.
As though to emphasize the point, friends posted a video of a toddler having her life-size picture drawn on a chalk wall. As soon as the outline was done and little miss was free to move, she decided to *help* with the artwork. Of course she did. Of course we do. (guilty again)
So let’s replay Wednesday, a rough morning and lots about being pinned down and useless. Every path forward has a sign that says “dead end,” “road closed,” or “toll ahead,” and me with no cash. Then one coworker said, “Could you help me with this computer challenge?” and another said, “I need your ears to check this video.” They have no idea how they boosted my outlook that day.
Thursday, host and I attended a revival service — the last night. No less than four times, the speaker declared that the message being delivered was not the one initially planned. He was led, that afternoon, to say something different that evening. In short, “God’s got this, no matter what, He’s with you and no promise will go unfulfilled.”
Since then, my host has run into a few needs, easily dealt with because I’m on site and available.
Maybe this pile of little things is indeed the big task for this season. Maybe it’s time to demonstrate that I will be faithful with little, then there will be another opportunity to be trusted with much. Maybe there’s more prep work behind the scenes, because “in the fullness of time,” things happen quickly (and not before). Maybe I need to read that article & watch that video a few more times.