"Be faithful in small things, because it is in them that your strength lies." - Mother Teresa

There are so many important matters in life that find their strength in little actions we perform each day. Brushing your teeth. Honoring your parents. Going for a walk. Saying your prayers. Neglect any one of these things and we can certainly reap some big negatives down the road. The faithful attention that we give to these things each day can also create some real positives.

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” Exo.20.12 Conversations Within” ts 8/24/2016

“Little things make big things happen.” John Wooten

Being reliable in a small matter is the dress rehearsal for reliability in a large matter. Faithfulness is learned by keeping one promise at a time. If we say that we will do something, even something small--especially something small--then we should do it. How can my spouse depend on me to keep my vows if she can’t depend on me to do my daily chores?

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Jesus Conversations Within” ts 8/23/2016

“There are some people so addicted to exaggeration that they can't tell the truth without lying.” Josh Billings

I exaggerate, and sadly this is no exaggeration. Recently I have realized that doing so is not wise, nor is it funny. It is just being unreliable. Exaggeration doesn’t make one’s story more interesting or illustrative, it makes it dubious.  Little exaggerations can add up to great misrepresentations of the way things really are. Faithfulness in small details give an accurate account and is what makes our witness reliable and something others can trust.

“Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.” Prov.26.7 Conversations Within” ts 8/22/2016

“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right.” Admiral William H. McRaven

I am not sure about changing the world but I certainly do want to change myself. I suppose doing that is one way to do the other. The Spirit inside me is showing me the wisdom of acting on small things. Powerful change often begins with a simple decision. Do something right every single day and stick with it.

“Do not underestimate the day of small things.” Zech.4.10 Conversations Within” ts 8/21/2016

“Loneliness does not come from being alone, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you.” Carl Jung

Loneliness may be more than a state of mind, it may be the state of our friendships. Many of the benefits of friendship lie on a two-way street. My friends may want to be there for me, but if I am not open about my struggles, then they may not know what I am going through. All of us can be pretty good about disguising our feelings. Open up to your friends, and make sure your friends know they can open up to you.

“There is a friend closer than a brother.” Prov.28 Conversations Within” ts 8/18/2016