Sum of its parts
No one can do everything, but
everyone can do something. –Max Lucado
When I was in seminary,
on the first day of one of my classes, the professor gave each of us a piece of
a jigsaw puzzle. I still have mine; it’s green like grass, I think—or maybe sky
blue. It’s been in my coin purse so long, the colors are scratched and faded.
The layers have begun to pull apart, and the edges are wearing smooth. (Life
can do that to you sometimes.)
Dr. K gave us the
puzzle piece for a reason, of course. It’s to remind us that we are each part
of a much bigger picture, a picture that is incomplete without me. And even if my piece seems to look a lot like every other
piece of sky or grass, in the Bigger Picture, each piece has its own unique
place, its own special purpose. In God’s Kingdom, no one is more (or less)
important than I am. We all fit together. Perfectly.
But there’s another
reminder there, too: I don’t need to be big or flashy, or try to do everything
in a big way, to make a difference. Whatever we do—a smile, a cup of coffee—can
be a game-changer for a person in need.
What if, instead of
wishing we could do more, we boldly
and confidently do what we can? Can’t
afford to bring a whole case of food to the food drive? How about a couple cans
of tuna or beans? Mission trips to Guatemala aren’t your thing? Consider a
donation to the Red Cross or UMCOR. Wherever you are, there are homeless,
hungry people in need of the love you have to offer. Little things can mean the
world to someone who’s struggling to make their way in the world.
Monday When was the last time you bought coffee for
a stranger, or shared a lunch with a child? How about today? 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Tuesday Ponder today what you would do with a
financial windfall. Is your thinking focused on yourself or on the needs of
others (or both)? Habakkuk 1:5
\Wednesday Try, today, to go the whole day without complaining—about the
weather, the traffic or life’s general unfairness. Tonight, give thanks and
reflect on the experience. Exodus 34:6-7
Thursday Are you in the habit of serving? Maybe you
are on a church committee, or help regularly with the neighborhood lunch. What
different thing might you be willing to try? Pray on this, go-- and do. Luke
10:30-37
Friday How do you help make Creation a better,
safer place? What can you do to help the earth we live in heal and thrive?
Today, consider walking or sharing a ride--and skip the bottled water. Psalm 24:1-6
Saturday You’ve been good all week long. Today,
during your quiet time, confess before the Lord just how difficult it was. Ask
for a new heart; give thanks and receive it. Psalm 51:10-12
Sunday Greet one another as John Wesley’s followers
greeted one another. Ask and answer this question: How is it with your soul? Really listen for the answer, and pray
for one another. Psalm 62:5-8
Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. In fact, it is the only
thing that ever has. –Margaret Mead
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