Observance
A friend of mine, Robert Fry, shared some thoughts recently concerning small and simple things.
He said that the purpose of doing small and simple things such as washing the mountain of dishes in the sink, replacing missing paper towels, having an early morning bowl of cereal with a child; in fact, doing all things that serve others and serve ourselves, is to bring us closer to the divine.
Prayer, scripture study, worshiping in our churches and simple acts of kindness are just a few that remind us to be in the right places, doing the right things at the right times. You will never be punished for your efforts to do good.
Our efforts, although small and simple, have the infinite support of the divine. Truly, small multiplied by infinity is endless. Robert talked of these truths that stand the test of time.
Insight
The world can seem so big and overwhelming. We may wonder how anything we do can ever make a difference. We might feel this way especially when we see suffering and contention and wish we could do something about it. At such times, it helps to remember the obvious truth that this big world is actually made up of individuals — millions and billions of them, each with a heart and feelings and desires. So often, that which is simple, small, and quiet as spoken of by Robert has the most profound effect on another’s heart.
For example, students remember the teacher who sincerely cares about them, who takes time to know them, and who cheers them on. Neighbors appreciate that person who goes about doing good in the neighborhood — cleaning up, helping out, being friendly. Likewise, friends cherish friends who make efforts to stay in touch, who continue to reach out, who take the time to show that they care.
We make a difference in the world by making a difference in someone’s life — one person at a time. Every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes the world a kinder place. Every little effort to improve — to do a little better and be a little better — makes the world that much better too. That’s how we create the world we want to live in!
The poet Emily Dickinson gave us a clear picture of such simple yet powerful goodness:
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
(Poems by Emily Dickinson, ed. Mabel Loomis Todd and T. W. Higginson (1892), poem number VI, page 18.)
Yes, there are many broken hearts and fainting robins in the world today. We can’t prevent every tragedy or heal every wound. But maybe we “can stop one heart from breaking.” Maybe there’s one ache we can ease, one pain we can cool.
Most people will never see you do such small and simple acts of kindness, but these small efforts are often the ones that matter most, the ones that are never forgotten, the ones recorded on heaven’s ledger.
After all, every great thing is really just an accumulation of many simple, small and quiet things.
It’s been said that the little things are the big things. This applies to many aspects of life, but especially to the small courtesies, the little acts of kindness that end up making a big difference. Truly, from the small and simple comes that which is great. It happens when a seedling is nurtured and grows into a strong tree, and it happens when little kindnesses help people blossom and grow. It’s one of the most important ways we make a difference in the world.
And certainly, there are things about the world that we wish were different. We see conflict and discord at home and abroad, and we wonder how things will ever improve. In this respect, our day isn’t unique —those who went before us faced times that were challenging and difficult too. But that doesn’t mean the situation is hopeless. There is something we can do to feel a little better about the world and about life. And it doesn’t have to be something grand or dramatic. Sometimes even the most complicated problems have surprisingly simple solutions.
When the world seems to spin out of control, we can do our part to “try to stem the madness,” as one columnist wrote recently. “It begins with simply caring,” she said, “by looking up from our cellphones and making eye contact; by asking the checkout girl about her day; thanking the garbage collector; doing favors without a scorecard; giving away money because someone needs it more. Sometimes a small gesture of kindness can change someone’s day — or life. If the cumulative effect of evil acts brings us down, mightn’t the cumulative effect of good deeds lift us up?” (Kathleen Parker, “Sometimes a Small Gesture of Kindness Can Change Someone’s Day—or Life”, 2017)
It’s simple, really. A sure way to begin feeling a little better about the world and your life, a good way to truly make a difference in a troubled world, is to look around and do something good. The good we do matters, for the best way to drive away darkness is to turn on a light, even if it’s small. So do some good today — and tomorrow. Before you know it, the world will become a better place.
Southern Standard contributor Cordell Crawford can be contacted at crawfordcordell@yahoo.com
