I look around and see need. Everywhere there seems to be a need. And to be truthful, some days it is just plain overwhelming. Almost suffocating, if you will.
I walk about with eyes-wide open and see . . .
A young mom that needs help.
A man that needs work.
A humble soul that needs food.
A friend in an abusive relationship.
A woman trying to beat the alcohol that has her trapped.
A child that needs love.
A marriage that needs repaired.
There are needs everywhere and many days I want to throw my hands up in the air exclaiming, “What good can I do!” The situations are huge and I feel so small.
Maybe feeling small is good.
Seeing the needs with wide-eyes is stifling. It’s like when I look at a big busy picture. I can’t think. There’s too much it overwhelms my brain. Yes, that’s how I feel when I see the needs in a community.
But taking that big picture and looking at only one area of it, one tiny area, as if to get up close and personal — it becomes beautiful. The small details don’t crowd my mind as it is easier to find the beauty.
If looking at needs in your community are overwhelming, look for the small. Don’t look at the huge picture — look for the individual you can bless. By serving them in a small way, you’ll begin to feel big. Those you serve will feel even bigger.
Your small acts become big.
Your bright smile can make somebody else’s day.
A $5 gift card to a fast-food restaurant can nourish a hungry soul.
A phone call to a troubled soul can give them encouragement.
Babysitting a friends small children can lighten her load.
How about you?
Do the needs you see make you feel small?
If so, what small way can you serve someone in need?
Remember, by serving others in small ways, you’ll make them feel big!
This is beautiful, and profound, Alene! I do think feeling small is a good thing, it keeps our heart humble and our minds on HIM and His bigness.
hey! So if we are ever on the same flight I guess we will have to flip for it! lol I love the practical application you suggested. It is so hard to think we have to change the world. But if we do a thing here and there it really does make a difference. Paying for the car behind me in the drive-thru is my favorite. Or mowing for a neighbor..just because. hugs and so good to meet you:)
I love this reminder… so often I feel that what I do to serve needs to be HUGE… Thank you for writing this truth here.
oooooooh you know I am a sucker for great quotes! LOVE the photo quote.. everyone has beautiful quotes on this word today :) …. thank you for this reminder .. always love your writing
that’s how’ve i’ve spent so much of the last 15 years. it is overwhelming to work where the need so far overcomes our capacity… until i remember it isn’t my capacity that God is using…
wise words!
A great perspective and an encouraging beckon-call. Thank you Alene!! :)
Bless you dear.
Oh yes, random, small acts of kindness, sharing His love with others. It’s what this life is all about. Thank you!
I love your take on this prompt…I can think of days when even the smallest thing like a hug from a friend or a quick, hey-thinking-of-you, text has made the difference. Such a good reminder to step out to encourage and love others, even if what we’re doing seems small. Blessings to you, friend! :)
What a good reminder about the difference we can make when we open our eyes and see our world – and our world can be the lives that we touch. And the difference is what He can do through us. Thank you!
Roaming around on Five Minute Fridays and came upon your words: Remember, by serving others in small ways, you’ll make them feel big. Those are good words to take with me today while trusting that God’s mercy and power will make them big and maybe just maybe, add a little bit of healing to a heart that so desperately needs it.
Dear Alene
We are all actually very small, like dust King David said, but small acts of love will make us hear one day of our Jesus’ words of delight for feeding Him when He was hungry, visiting Him when He was sick or in prison!!
Blessings XX
Mia