Unfortunately, we put off living, because of that one elusive great thing. Can’t cure cancer? Well, I guess I won’t be a doctor then. Can’t change lives? Then forget teaching. If I can’t get straight A’s, then I might as well not bother with college. I suppose you get the gist. It seems easier to give up, than to be less than great. The perfectionist tendency has led to the abrupt ending of a lot of small things.
Although you are capable of great things, real life is lived amid the small things, and it is those things we can do well.
As we look at our lives, it can become discouraging and disheartening to realize that great things will eternally elude us. What I have discovered, and want to pass on to you, is that each and every one of us can do small things with great love.
Now, don’t roll your eyes. It’s true. Small things surround us on a daily basis. Our lives are defined by the small things we do each day. When you add love to those small things, they become, dare I say, great. Each act can be infused with a great deal of kindness and love. Every act done with intention becomes great in itself.
You don’t have to change the world. It is enough to change where you are. Serve those around you with kindness. Extend forgiveness instead of harshness. Small things done with kindness make a difference in every life.
I’ll share a recent experience to illustrate the power of intention, or the lack thereof.
A friend and I went to lunch together. As we entered the establishment, the person behind the counter was shouting to or at a person in the back.
She didn’t acknowledge us or greet us. She continued her loud, angry conversation and headed toward the back.
When she finally came out, she demanded to know what we wanted. I sheepishly placed my order, feeling like an intruder into a private conversation. The air was alive with their negative energy.
As we found our seats, I said, “I hope that angry girl isn’t making our food.” Alas and alack. It was meant to be. The angry energy that permeated the restaurant found its way into my lunch, as the girl threw the ingredients together.
I always enjoy the food I eat at this particular restaurant. It is usually pretty tasty. This time, however, I had the worst meal I have ever eaten there. It was bland and tasteless. Although I order the same thing every time I go there, this time was different. It tasted different. And it sat in my stomach all day, a constant reminder of someone else’s anger.
A study in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science suggests that physical events are influenced by the intentions of those involved.
When you set about your daily tasks, filling yourself with good intentions, or good energy will not only benefit you, but it will also benefit those you serve.
Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
The small things you accomplish with great love reflect in your life to magnify and lighten it. Life is lived in the small moments, done with love.
Namaste, friends