February 4
The Small Things
… Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ––Philippians 4:8
This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere.
––Elrond in Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring
My greatest takeaway from Tolkien’s Middle-earth universe comes down to this: Small acts of kindness and love by ordinary people are what keep the darkness at bay. On some days—particularly when my newsfeed is bleak—I feel powerless against things seemingly beyond my control. It’s really helpful when I connect with my wife or a friend just to regain my balance. And it’s amazing how things in my head tend to right themselves when I verbalize them and they are received kindly and truthfully.
As a follower of Jesus, never underestimate the power of speaking words of hope and encouragement into the darkness: to the friend whose wife just left him; to the co-worker who just lost a parent; to the homeless man you see outside the supermarket.
What the world may see as small, God sees as big. When hatred, ridicule, and cynicism rule politics, social media, and culture at large, small things like a kind word can make all the difference in the world. But here’s the thing: With God, these small acts are among the most masculine and powerful weapons we wield.
You are more important to God than you think. You have more power than you believe. You are making a far greater impact than you imagine. Step into your agency; into your power as a man imbued with the attributes of Christ. Start today. A text or phone call. A note to a loved one. Encouragement for a co-worker.
Though not in the original novel, I love this quote from Gandalf in the film adaptation of The Hobbit.
Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. It is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love.
When you walk with Him, and when you allow the Holy Spirit to direct you, there is no more greater force in the world. And that is no small thing indeed.
Father, flood my heart and head with the love you have for others, and let me step out today in “small acts” of kindness and goodness.