Little Things

Inside the church friends and family remember the life of 59-year-old Ray Blum.  Outside, a parade of school buses, filled with solemn, grieving students made its way through the parking lot of Remembrance Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The students wave, paying homage to a man who gave the little he had to make their lives better.

Kenowa Public Schools superintendent James Gillette said of Ray, "He was . . . instrumental in helping to make everyone's day a bright one." The bold, red headline in the Grand Rapid Press summed up Ray's life in six words, "He was just a huge cheerleader."  He wasn't wealthy.  He didn't live a life of grandeur and intrigue.  He never won the Pulitzer Prize. Yet, he made an impact on hundreds of lives and he did it by caring, encouraging, loving and supporting others from the confines of his humble home. 

Upon hearing this story I wondered, what little thing could I be doing to encourage others?  Often Ray would find students who had excelled and he would honor that student as "Student of the Week" by placing their name on a sign in his front yard where everyone could see it.  It's estimated that Ray sent out close to 1,000 cards a year.  He considered it his “ministry.”  For years he wrote letters to American soldiers stationed around the world.  What touched me most was this:  for thirty years Ray stood on his front porch each morning, smiled and waved at students on their way to school.  Did you catch that?  He smiled and waved.

Occasionally we accomplish the notable as we push ahead on our life journey.  Most times, we touch the lives of those around us by the little things we do.   The words of songwriter Kittie Suffield puts it all in perspective, "Does the place you’re called to labor, seem too small and little known?  It is great if God is in it, and He'll not forget His own."  Ray gave what he had to give. Just like the little boy who gave his few loaves and fishes to Jesus to feed the multitude.  God took what he had, blessed it, broke it, and used it to meet the needs of many.

If we wait until our little is a lot, much won’t be accomplished.  Like Ray Blum, we must give what we've got with a willing heart.  Most of us will never be wealthy enough, have time enough, be presented with just the "perfect" opportunity to give so we can make a profound impact on our world.  But, my little and your little, blessed, broken and shared by God can meet the needs of many.

What "little thing" is He asking of you today? 

"Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There’s a crown—and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus' Name."

Copyright © 2006rjknuth

Strength for Today:  Philippians 2:5-9

The Daffodil Principle