A small thing that makes a big difference

Holleygerth.com

Today I am linking my post at: Coffee for Your Heart and also at Two Writing Teachers.

Many Sundays I watch couples and families walk into church together. They sit together. I used to sit with my daughter when she was younger. I used to sit with my mother when she would come and visit us. 

Last Sunday when I walked into church, I was by myself. I did not know if any of my friends would be there. I heard a hello in lobby. Someone else called my name, gave me a big hug, and asked about my daughter. She had been praying for her and her team overseas. Someone else wished me happy birthday and stopped to chat a bit.

I walked in to the sanctuary and sat down. I said hello to the gentlemen sitting on the same row. Little while later someone else sat in my row. I did not, however, see any of my single friends who I could sit next to. 

Little later, mother, daughter and a tiny granddaughter come and sit right in front of me. I am privileged to watch this tiny human being look around him with his beautiful eyes. He is so content. My friend Michelle also sits in front of me with her husband. I am so happy to see them. As I walk back to my seat from communion, I see Linda. I have to give her a message from a man that we have both helped feed at the soup kitchen. Last time I was there, he asked about Linda. She had made an impression on him.

I listened to Emily give the message. After the service, I saw Shashanda. I was so happy to see her. We go the same small group, but it seems that every time she can go, I can't.

So, I thought that I would be alone at church. I thought I would sit by myself and be lonely. But, did you see all the small things that made a big difference? The friends who called my name before 
and after church. The tiny baby in his mother's arms in front of me. The people who smiled, and I don't even know their names. The little hellos said in passing. So many little things that make a big difference.

I think now it is my turn to show how those little things can make a big difference. I will remember to smile, to say hello and stop to chat with someone next Sunday. Maybe a text before the service to see if we could sit together. It is not the loud announcements that make a big difference, but the small things. The things that show another person that they have value. They are recognized; they are appreciated. They are loved.

I want to be the small thing that can make a big difference.