Faithfulness in the small things

Hi folks!

February was always my least favorite month... what with the the grey skies, the rotten confused rain/snow/sleet weather, the beginning of Lent (one must admit it can be a little depressing), and Valentine's Day (such a ridiculous holiday). So you might be feeling a little discouraged yourself. My pastor said the way forward from disappointment or discouragement is faithfulness in the small things. Sometimes we are discouraged because we have a longing to do great things; and yet we're stuck in the mundane - washing laundry, doing roommate's dishes, homework, working at a job we're overqualified for, working at a job we don't absolutely love... etc. Sometimes we're not even sure why we're doing what we're doing.

As Mother Theresa said, "We can do no great things, only small things with great love...When done with love and compassion, those small things are transformed into something wonderful, priceless, and intangible." 

As verified in the Parable of the Talents, the Lord will give us more after we have proven that we are responsible for what we have now. It is faithfulness in the small things that builds are character. When I got a new car, I lost my parking stickers, which meant I could park in any hospital lot without getting ticketed. There's really nothing wrong with parking in the ER lot, except I could be taking a closer spot that would benefit a patient. However, I only park there for my convenience, so I don't have to walk in the cold. For Lent, I've given up doing the easy thing, and pledged to park only on the street even when I'm running late, or it's sleeting. It's actually been very refreshing. I get a chance to listen to uplifting music and the walking wakes up my blood. When we choose not to cut the little corners, but do everything with as much integrity as possible, it strengthens us to endure greater trials. Sometimes I'm struck by the ridiculous possibility that I'll be stuck in the South Pole and glad for the little extra strength walking to work in the cold gave me.

Charles Spurgeon writes,
Zechariah 4:9 Who dares despise the day of small things...

"It is usually God's way to begin his great works with a day of small things- · Thus it is seen that there is nothing in the means themselves. · Thus the divine power is more fully displayed. · Thus faith is exercised, and made to learn many lessons. Why should men despise what God ordains?"

So take heart, if you feel like you're slogging through the nitty-gritty. God sees all things. Do your chores and job with extra compassion. He delights in your faithfulness. And enjoy the trials of unexpected troubles - knowing that it will fortify your character.

Love, Katie