IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS
Over the years, I’ve discovered—it’s the little things that make the biggest impact in my marriage and my family.
As humans we tend to focus on big things—big achievements, big gifts, big vacations—things that “wow” a person.
I found what really makes the greatest impact, over time, are the little things that are consistently done, time and time again. You see, over time all those little things, consistently done, hundreds and thousands of times, make a tremendous impact on the people we love.
I will never be able to take my wife on an exotic vacation to Tuscany, but I can vacuum her carpet, sweep her floors, and massage her neck. I can never buy her a brand new vehicle, but I can lovingly serve her day after day in small ways around our home. I can never buy her a fancy new house, filled with all kinds of new, expensive things, but I can tenderly care for her, encourage her, and show up every day of our married life doing good, kind things for her. I can walk with her through all the adversities of her life, standing by her, enduring with her through whatever God allows, and willingly helping to shoulder and carry her weaknesses and infirmities in a patient, loving, and understanding way. I can faithfully pray with her every day, bringing our needs to God.
I could never take my children on expensive vacations—skiing the Alps or sailing the seas—but I could be a loving, consistent, faithful presence in their lives. I could never take my kids to pro football games or big music concerts, but I could faithfully encourage them, spend time with them, and generously share with them whatever I had to give.
I will never be able to give my grandchildren their own horse to ride or car to drive, but I can take them on a cookie date, listen to their stories, treat them with love and kindness, and play a game with them. I can demonstrate to them, as they grow up, consistent love, kindness, and a cheerful, godly, positive presence in their lives, whenever I see them.
I may never be able to “wow” my family or loved ones with awesome, thrilling experiences, but I can give them the blessing of my kind words of encouragement, my loving reassurances, my simple acts of generosity, and build them up every chance I get. I can grab each opportunity that comes my way to demonstrate my loving care for them and their best interests. In a world of uncertainty and broken promises, I can remain faithful, steadfast, and reliable. I can demonstrate a life of loving, trusting, and serving Christ—one that will inspire their own faith in Christ.
Helping you become a Strong Disciple,
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Mark Darling
