A few weeks ago I wrote about two miracles; the miracle of the human body and how it heals, and the miracle of Christian community. Since then I’ve had more opportunities to reflect on those things.
Dick had knee replacement surgery last week, which I know is a familiar procedure to a whole lot of you. I have had both of my knees replaced as well, so I get it too. In Dick’s case, several wrinkles have come along. The nerve block wouldn’t let go for MANY hours, which caused a couple of issues about which I won’t elaborate. Then he had a couple of out-of-the-blue bleeding episodes that required clean up and redressing. None of this is something that can’t be handled, but it’s just a pain. Can I get an “Amen?”
Here’s the really cool thing, or one of many cool things. I can’t yet bend all the way over, far enough to pick up dog poop. Our neighbors have been taking turns coming over to get our dogs, give them a walk, and make sure we’re not “those neighbors”, the ones who don’t pick up in our little townhouse community. How cool is that!
All of this gets me thinking about all the opportunities we have, every day, to do small things that feel really big to someone else: opening a door, carrying a package, picking up something off the floor, making a phone call, sending a card or an email, yes, picking up dog poop, or even waving or smiling. If you’re like me, you’re often in a hurry, and don’t take the time to do these little things. I picked up the mail yesterday and brought it in, and there was a card for Dick from some choir buddies. I wish I had a picture of the smile on his face! Little things matter…a lot.
In Matthew 10:42, Jesus talks about giving a cup of cold water. In Eugene Peterson’s Bible paraphrase The Message, it says this: This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won’t lose out on a thing.”
It’s a large work to share the saving love of God in Christ, but small gestures matter. They matter a lot. Pay attention today. What opportunities do you have to be a blessing to someone, to offer, as Jesus said, a cool cup of water? You may not know what someone is going through, but you can be sure that they will be touched by an act or word of kindness.
A few weeks ago I wrote about two miracles; the miracle of the human body and how it heals, and the miracle of Christian community. Since then I’ve had more opportunities to reflect on those things.