Experience Fulfillment by Doing Big, Little Things
In our society, doing something big has been exalted as king. You’ve got to dream big, make big money, and run a big organization. Certainly, all those things are grand if that is the territory God has assigned to you. But when it’s not—and even if it is—we should never forsake big, little acts of love that are valuable and priceless to Christ.
These little gestures prove that our love for God—and others—is real. And they are not insignificant. They are tiny pieces of each day that when woven together, make up the fabric of our lives so that at the end of our time on earth we will hear God say, “Well done!” They are the little sacrifices, that when accumulated, come back to us, filling our heart with love and shaping our character into something noble.
Sometimes we see little acts of love as less important than grand accomplishments. This attitude can cause us to miss opportunities to serve which means we’ll miss greater fulfillment.
When I consider the moments when I have experienced the most fulfillment springing from love and joy, it hasn’t been when I have stood before a crowd to give a presentation. It hasn’t been when I have received a promotion, or a new book deal. It was when God allowed me to serve a sick friend, share financial resources with someone in need, mentor a little girl, or visit a nursing home. Through these big, little acts of love, I have learned that excitement often comes from accomplishments, but feelings of love are a by-product of making a personal connection with God and others.
Expressing God’s love in little ways has become more important to me lately because I failed so miserably at it in the past. In an effort to accomplish something great for God, I often dismissed the smaller opportunities to express His love to others. Because I was so busy, I didn’t have time to listen to someone’s story. Because all my money was being used to serve my goals, I didn’t have any left over to share. Because my daily to-do list left me without margin, I didn’t have time to put even a birthday card in the mail. I became so self-focused because I was only focused on accomplishing a great task for God.
After a few years of being driven, it slowly dawned on me that I was miserable. I decided to begin to love through little acts that presented themselves me to during the day. I have so much to learn about serving and loving, but so far my “Love Experiment” has been wonderful. Each day is a treasure hunt while I look for needs around me. And I am far more fulfilled than I was when I was only focused on accomplishing something big for God.
If you want to experience greater love and joy, determine to love through big, little acts of love that are sometimes difficult, sometimes seem insignificant, and sometimes go unrewarded or unrecognized.
“. . . whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a slave of all.” Mark 10:43-44
I thank you for your writing. My wife and I support an eight year old girl who has the same birth date as our daughter. We also support a twelve year old boy who has my birth date. We also monthly contribute a system that gives safe drinking water to people. The kids and water system are in Africa. It is such a JOY to be able to do this. We started doing this when I felt our church was wasting over $20,000 a year. I still enjoy going their. So now we get double JOY.
Arnie,
Thanks for your comment. The things that you do to help others are definitely not insignficant. Your example is an inspiration to other to be loving as well–and they do indeed bring joy.
Bless you!
Shana
I totally agree! It is interesting how the good Lord places opportunities to serve and shape us into the people He has called us to be.
For example, right now I am currenlty planning a very big and special origami gifts to a Children’s Hospital. But before I do it, I’ve had the privilege of practing acts of kindness is small ways which are huge. Many interesting interactions with various people and their responses. Life (Living in Faith Everyday) is good when I put the Lord first and love our neighbor. JOY = (Jesus, Others, Yourself) Thanks for all your articles. Too Blessed to be Stressed!
Hi, Takashi.
Thanks so much for your comment. That’s awesome that you are looking for big, little opportunities to bless others. There is nothing like noticing little needs around us and responding to those needs. Keep loving others!
Shana
It is interesting when we take the time to care for others more than our daily busy schedules, that we see God’s grace abound in our lives. When we sow to the Spirit we reap to the Spirit! People start opening up their hearts and a great time of fellowship begins! There are 7 billion people on the planet and I have the privilege to interact with a handful of them. But each one I get to talk to is made in His image and likeness, a precious child of God and I am to unconditionally love them just as my Heavenly Father loved me before the foundation of the World.
Takashi– Thank you for your comments. So appreciate your emphasis on loving God, loving people!