Little Ways Pay Off in Big Dividends

After months of what seems to be "little" accomplishments, part of me longs to hear about some of God’s BIG ways – BIG wins – BIG worthwhile news – BIG discoveries like a cure for Covid. But, from so many biblical indicators – God seems to work best in the “littles”.

Just think about the “littles” that God used to make something big. Like, making the first man out of LITTLE dust. Like the LITTLE boy with the LITTLE lunch that fed over 5,000. Like the LITTLE shepherd boy, David, who slew the giant with a stone and sling and conquered the Philistine army. And, then there’s Gideon who was the "smallest" in the "least" clan who saved an entire nation. He started with an army of 24,000 and God required him to reduce it to a LITTLE army of 300. God likes LITTLE.

Saint Thérèse de Lisieux said: "Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” She was known for serving God in such beautiful, “little ways”. In this “3rd act of my play”, I find myself doing many “little things” in “little ways” to serve God. It’s a sweet way to live one day at a time and serving in the process.

One of my “little ways” is this blog each day, desiring to spread good news. I am very aware that when I point one finger out to my readers, there are four pointing back at me, so I better practice what I preach! Yesterday, LITTLE was my goal. I’m not tooting my own horn or seeking an “atta girl”! But, how can I give action words without action on my part? So, these were my "little ways". I sent words of encouragement to some friends via text messages and messenger. Went grocery shopping for my friends. And, the gal I helped a couple of weeks ago who fell on the walking path? I give her Jesus in daily text messages and, yesterday, gave her and her daughter cards that express my love and God's love to them.

Here’s my motive for today's blog. We need to take the lid off of LITTLE. Yes, God likes LITTLE. In fact, He sent His beloved Son to earth as a LITTLE baby and changed everything about life, death, eternity and giving the hope for mankind of never perishing and living with Him forever and ever if we believe in Him. Now, that’s what I call BIG! And, that little baby boy grew up and said, “All it takes is a LITTLE mustard seed of faith to move mountains.” Yes, God specializes in making BIG out of LITTLES. He told the “little children” to come to Him. He directed the disciples to get a "little" coin out of a fish's mouth to pay their taxes. Quite frankly, LITTLE is MUCH when God is in it. Yes, LITTLE is much when we follow Christ’s example. We’ll find that LITTLE ways pay off in BIG dividends. What will be your LITTLE today?

Serving Up Jesus in Little Ways

"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” -- Thérèse de Lisieux

In my post, yesterday, I introduced St Therese of Lisieux who served God in such beautiful, “little ways”. I was amused when I saw this second photo of a St. Therese magnet that's displayed on a refrigerator. It's reminding that family of St. Therese's "little ways" which includes being a baby sitter. I love that. It speaks to my heart, especially in the season I’m in when I no longer give my life 24/7 to a husband and children and not working a 9 to 5 job. In this “3rd act of my play”, I find myself doing many “little things” in many “little ways” to serve God. It’s a sweet way to live one day at a time and serving in the process. One of my “little ways” is this post and blog each day -- just doing my part to spread some good news. Jesus showed us, through His actions, that serving others is important. When we truly understand what Jesus has done for us, we desperately want others to know Him and to find the same joy and hope we have. Telling people is not enough. We must show them. St. Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel at all times, and sometimes, use words." In James 2:18, James wrote “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”

Our days are made up of opportunities to be “on call” to be Christ’s hands and feet. Jesus was the role model for serving up “little ways”. He took a “little boy’s” little lunch and fed an enormous crowd. He healed the blind man with a little of His spit and mixed it with dirt and made a "little" mud plaster for his eyes. He told the “little children” to come to Him. He directed the disciples to get a "little" coin out of a fish's mouth to pay their taxes. Quite frankly, LITTLE is MUCH when God is in it.

And that is where we step up to notice the opportunities we have for living in the "little ways mentality" of SERVING UP JESUS daily! No small deeds should ever be taken for granted: taking out the trash, cleaning up the dinner dishes, baby sitting, giving an encouraging word to a cashier, sending a little note of encouragement to a friend or family member, volunteering at church, cleaning out our closets and attics and taking the unneeded items to a charity or homeless shelter. Just taking a "little" time to LISTEN, without distractions, to those in our life. So many "little ways" that will pay off in such BIG dividends!

As I type this post today, I’m thinking about someone that needs a phone call of encouragement. I’m thinking about those excess clothes that need to taken to a charity. I'm thinking about my neighbor who will be caring for her sister after surgery and I need to cook up some compassion and take them some meals.

More than the BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST accomplishments, I desire to be known as a "little ways” friend, servant, and family member. I desire to be conscious of being Christ’s hands and feet. After all, if I don’t go, who will?