Devotions by Rachel #9

Devotional #9- Little things show our character Sometimes we are looking for big important things to do in life. But it’s the little things we do that sometimes give us the most purpose. Emily Dickinson, a poet from the 1800s expressed, “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.” Emily Dickinson Sometimes I remind myself of these words. If I can just show kindness in little things, even if it be to  “soothe one pain” I shall not live in vain. The other day I was finishing up a doctor appointment when the nurse started sharing about some heartbreak she was facing with her son. I listened and cared. I didn’t try to rush out of there. And it seemed to help give her a little comfort. The little things we do add up to what our life is and who we are. When I started dating I could often get the big things checked off my list easily. He was a Christian. Check. He was going to college. Check. He was willing to do missions with me. Check. But the little things he would do in his behavior were sneak peeks of his true self. I could see his character by how he treated my younger brother, if he got annoyed at him, or was kind to him. I would see his character if he was rebellious towards my parents, in front of them, or behind their backs. Did he call off work to go do fun stuff, or was he responsible and went to work even when he was missing out on something? Did he cheat on tests in school? Did he treat our teachers respectfully?? These things showed his character or lack of. Our character comes out of the little things we do. You may see someone who is a pastor, or an activist and assume that means they have good character. It doesn’t. The little things we do, (how we treat others, submit to authority, help someone when it is not convenient) this shows what is at the core of who we are. Proverbs 21:21 “Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness and honor.” 1 Peter 5: 5-6 “In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand.” Matthew 15:18 “But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man.”