Little Things Mean A Lot

Not long ago in Toledo, Ohio a young boy named Billy was in the hospital. He had been burned over 80% of his body. The doctors told his parents that there was less than a 50% chance that he would survive. Somehow young Billy knew that his chances were not very good and every day it seemed that he got worse. Each day his parents would visit him only to find him weaker. His parents tried to hide their feelings and tried to laugh with him. But Billy saw through their strained emotions and daily got worse.

One day Billy’s teacher dropped by to see Billy and bring him messages of good will from his fellow students. Before she left she turned to Billy and handed him some school work. She said, "This is homework. You’ll need to complete this if you’re ever going to catch up."

As early as the next day Billy showed signs of recovery. It wasn’t long before he was taken off the critical list and was given a 100% chance of a full recovery. After Billy left the hospital his parent asked him about the abrupt change in his condition. They told him that they felt they were going to lose him and that every day it seemed to get worse. They asked if there was anything he could think of that made the difference.

Billy said, "Well mom and dad, when you and the doctors came to see me I could tell how upset and unhappy you were. I know you tried to cover it up. I know you tried to make me feel better but I could tell that you didn’t think I was going to make it. Then my teacher came in. And when she gave me homework to do, to catch up, well that sort of told me that I was going to make it. I mean, you don’t give homework to someone you think is going to die."

I don’t know whether the teacher was consciously trying to encourage Billy with the homework or whether it just happened. I don’t think it matters. The important thing is that it worked.

Giving Billy the homework was, in the whole scheme of things, very little. After all, Billy was connected to all the best medical equipment available, he was being given around the clock care and the best medicines known for his condition. With all that he was daily getting worse.

I believe that it is the little things we do in life that make the difference. Mother Theresa of Calcutta once said, "We can do no great things, only little things with great love". Some little things can become great, as in the case of Mother Theresa, but I believe her point is so important. We must concentrate on the little things we can do, and do them with great love.

Every one of us has the ability to do little things ... to say "hello" or greet a stranger,... to compliment people we see,... to say, "Have a nice day" or," Boy, it’s good to see you." Or to ask, "How’ve you been?" or to notice a new haircut,... or remember a child’s name. To introduce yourself to someone who stands alone,... to say, "I love you!" to family and friends,... to say you’re sorry and ask for forgiveness when you’ve done something wrong.

Jesus was very clear when he told us "To love one another.." and "To love God.." are the most important Commandments. He even says in the Gospel of Matthew (Matt 22:36-40) that if we follow those two Commandments the others will take care of themselves.

It’s the little things we do that make a difference: Remembering birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, appointments... Forgetting, rising above and forgiving the hurts others have caused... Just simply treat people the way you want to be treated. What an overused phrase. But think about the truth in it. Think about the power in it.

God has given us a marvelous gift. We all have it. It is something that happens to us every time we do something nice for somebody. It’s the good feeling we get. That nice, warm feeling. I believe God gave it to us to encourage us to do good for others. Don’t worry about solving the big problems of the world: the war in the Middle East, starvation in Africa, unrest in Europe. Just do little things with great love for those around you, and if they in turn do little things with great love for those around them, it won’t be long before the big problems take care of themselves. It all begins with you.

There is an ancient Indian legend of an Indian that asks God for one wish. God asked what the wish would be. The Indian says "I would like to go through life doing good for people and not knowing about it." The legend tells us that God granted that wish. And that God liked the results so much that he gave everyone on earth the same gift, and we have it still today.

It’s the little things that really matter. You may never know the total amount of good your smile, handshake or good word might produce. I bet Billy, his parents and his teacher never actually realized the power and importance of one homework assignment.

May God bless you always for your Love, Prayers and Support.

Respectfully in Christ,

Mark Price