Do you ever feel small, not in stature, but small in how much you can impact the world around you?
Snow was covering the grasses and the birds were hungry. I shoveled my sidewalk and threw bird seed out the walk’s entire expanse. Birds arrived quickly, brown ones, black ones, doves, then the bright red, male cardinal arrived. He caught my attention immediately, and a feeling of unexpected joy rose up, acknowledging his beauty.
He was just one of over 50 billion (internet estimate) wild birds that exist, and he brought me noticeable joy. My morning was better simply because I saw him.
Before walking into Walmart, I make a conscious decision to be kind and friendly. Almost always, my joyful hello or smile, or an assist, when possible, are met with a surprised smile in return. People don’t expect “to be seen,” or treated kindly. It’s a warm, joyful surprise.
We need not be specially gifted in any way, or wealthy, or well-known to have a positive impact on someone’s life. Never underestimate the power of random kindness.
And if we ever feel small, insignificant or unimportant, consider that all that empty “space” in and about ourselves that is not unoccupied by important matters, is space for God to come in and do amazing things in and through us.
My devotional reads, “Emptiness gives God room to work. Our littleness is a wonderful grace [for there we have space to receive God’s wondrous presence/gifts.] We are pure capacity for God. Claim this space for God [receive Him, rejoice]. Remind yourself often, ‘I am pure capacity for God; I can be more.” *
And when we allow ourselves to be used by God, we are being used as God’s chosen vessel in that very moment, to bring His kindness or love or generosity or acknowledgment to another. That is God’s work done through us – and there is nothing unimportant or insignificant about that.
Lord, may we notice the unoccupied spaces within us. May we claim that space for You. Help us to receive more of You with open hands, so we can share your gifts of love, kindness, generosity, acknowledgment with others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
*A Tree Full of Angels, Macrina Wiederkehr
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