My Franklin Planner has a quote or motivational saying for each day on the calendar. They are all good. But this one jumped out at me. “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.” –Edmund Burke
I believe the 18th century Irish-born Statesman was right.
How often have you heard someone say, “If I had a million dollars….” And then they describe all the good they would do with it.
Constantly we hear of all the good folks will do when they “find more time.” Well, I’ve been looking! And I can only find 24 hours in a single day. Let me know when you find more!
I’ve known of many Christians who are going to do some great thing for God. Someday.
There are husbands who are planning a big, expensive gift or trip for their wives. As soon as they can afford it.
And there are fathers who plan who spend more time with their kinds. When things aren’t so busy!
Hmmm, maybe the answer is to do the little thing you can do. Today!
When I was a little kid there was a song played on the country music station my dad listened to called, “Little things mean a lot.” It was sung by a popular female artist, Kitty Kallen. The song was a #1 hit. Here are some of the lyrics.
Blow me a kiss from across the room
Say I look nice when I’m not
Touch my hair as you pass my chair
Little things mean a lot
Give me your arm as we cross the street
Call me at six on the dot
A line a day when you’re far away
Little things mean a lot
Give me your hand when I’ve lost the way
Give me a shoulder to cry on
Whether the day is bright or gray
Give me your heart to rely on
Send me the warmth of a secret smile
To show me you haven’t forgot
For always and ever, now and forever
Little things mean a lot
While that song may sound sappy today, it contains a great truth and some good advice. Don’t dismiss the day of small things!
In Psychology Today magazine a philosopher, Dr. Aaron Ben-Zeév wrote about our deepest emotions in marital relationships. He observed that we often think of love in terms of “grand deeds” or mountain moving experiences. However, he said that it is often the little things that make a big difference.
He then went on to say, “These little things, be they gestures, actions, or words, are the many small things that we do every day and that naturally express our heart. They are not the result of calculations or intentions, but are rather spontaneous expressions of what we feel moved to do. Small manifestations of our love, such as blowing a kiss, touching our beloved’s hair as we pass her, linking arms when crossing the street, and sending the warmth of a secret smile, are natural and spontaneous actions that genuinely reflect, more than any expensive present, the heart of the lover. As such gestures can be expressed throughout the day, they articulate the profound and continuous love of the lover.”
What “little thing” can you do today to that says “I love you” to your wife? Husband? Children? Or parents? Maybe a simple compliment. A kind word. A text message. A single rose. An Ice cream treat. A chocolate bar.
Is there a brother or sister in Christ that needs a bit of encouragement? Or a friend? A co-worker? Or a neighbor? Could it be that just a small, thoughtful gesture that says “I’m thinking about you” and “I care about you” would mean a lot?
Don’t wait to do something big. Do the little thing that only you can do. And do it today!
–Ken Weliever, ThePreacherman
