Small Offerings

 

We live in a culture obsessed with big things. Big sports arenas and stadiums. Big houses. Big trucks. Big churches. Big bank accounts. Big celebrations. Big plans. Big meals.

Big is not bad, but our obsession with big can cause us to miss out on some amazing things. As I walked along on this sunny afternoon, I was taking in all there was to see in my neighborhood. I had almost passed this house and moved on to the next when I just happened to look down and notice these small flowers. They were in a bed with much taller plants and flowers, which I had seen from a distance. I am grateful they caught my eye; they were the most beautiful flowers in the garden.

These little flowers gave me pause. How many blessings do we miss because our eyes are only searching for big? Small things are not necessarily insignificant, just as big things are not necessarily better. Little flowers. A quiet moment in the chaos of the day. A few words shared with someone special. A brief nap when we are tired. A word of encouragement when we are struggling. These small things, and countless more like them, become big as they touch our hearts.

So it is with what we give to others. Few of us will accomplish big things. We will not eradicate hunger or poverty or injustice. We will not put an end to violence and hate and division. We will not write a novel that inspires a generation or compose music that speaks for the masses the feelings they cannot find the means to express.

But our small offerings can become big in the life of another. Our generosity can put food on a table or two. Our commitment to the belief that all people are of sacred worth to God can give another hope that there are people who care. Our peaceful ways can give respite to another caught up in turmoil and anger. Our words of encouragement and hope can keep another from giving up.

Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” What we do with the small things really matters. It matters for our life. It matters in the lives of others. It matters to God. I think I might go out and think small today.

Peace.