Small Things

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”

~Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Ever feel like you have to go out and conquer the world? That your goal in life is to touch every life that you meet? I think that our culture today teaches us that everyone we meet should leave with something we have taught them, this having changed their life. Maybe, for some it’s the feeling that in all you do, you have to have great recognition for what you have done.  If no one recognizes what you have done, you feel that you have done it for no reason?

Sometimes I feel myself wanting to fall into that mindset, but then I have to step back and remember that everything I do should be to glorify God, not me. Ultimately, God made us in His image and likeness, and to glorify Him in all that we do. Whether it’s in school work, the way you treat you friends, family, what you post on Facebook, and how you treat yourself. Using our time, talent, and treasure we glorify God in everything. This seems to be something that has come up so many times throughout this year…school, church, work, etc..

So, this is when I began to think as Blessed Mother Teresa was in the quote above. Whether I am planning JHDC, teaching  Abby CCE, working on school work, reading to Riley, or thinking about how I am going to teach the Confirmation lesson to my girls on Sunday, I stop and think.

Why am I doing this? For the recognition, to stand out…no, I’m planning JHDC to lead teens closer to God, and His great love. I'm reading to Riley so she may learn to love reading as I do. I'm working on school work to graduate, to go into ministry for Him. I'm teaching Abby so that she may grow in her faith and understanding of it. I stop, and thank God that I can hear Legos, and for the little brother who could build for hours and hours. I stop, and thank God for the opportunity to share my faith, knowledge and experience with these girls who are preparing to receive a wonderful Sacrament.

In doing these things, and more there is always something that can drive you crazy…or just get under your skin and it drives you crazy!

During Lent this year, I decided that one thing I was going to do was to do everything I did with love, whether the task was large or small. They say everything tastes better when it’s cooked with love, well I think that if you do an activity with love, whatever it may be, it will be used to glorify God, and nothing can go wrong. (If it does, you’re already talking to Him, so just ask for some Grace.) It’s amazing how your attitude can change when you are putting love into what you are doing. Teaching Abby doesn’t get frustrating when she refuses to answer out loud, I just look for another way for her to answer. Reading the same book to Riley five times can be fun if you use a different inflection in your voice every time.

            I think this is something that will stick, especially as the years go on…

 I'm not out to change the world. Every thing I do may not be great. Maybe life will be full of many small actions, filled with great love.