p. 15 | The Little Things

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 4, 1912

The Little Things

THE little things of life for you and for me, for our friends and associates, compose the whole. Large joys and large sorrows do not ordinarily enter into the lives of “common people”; but, as one has expressed it, “the little things we do and the little things we say are the warp and woof which, when woven and interwoven in the great loom of life, come out the finished fabric—character.”

It is demanded of us that into our characters shall be woven certain essential qualities if we attain the goal of every true Christian, which is a Christlike character. It is demanded of us that we be constant in purpose; that we be courteous, thoughtful, cheerful, under all circumstances; faithful in the performance of duty,—those “little things” which oftentimes we scarcely notice.

These little things of life may often appeal to us as drudgery. To the teacher it may become drudgery to be obliged to appear before her pupils every school-day morning at a certain hour, and to remain at her post of duty until a certain time. To the housewife it may become drudgery to find the same routine of work greeting her morning after morning. To the clerk it may become drudgery to stand behind the same counter, within the same four walls, day after day. To the mechanic it may become drudgery to enter the same shop, to use the same tools, week in and week out, month after month.

But in this very so-called drudgery may be hidden the discipline that is sowing the seed for a bountiful harvest in character, if we do not permit the little annoyances and perplexities of life to crowd out the joy and pleasure of living.

Some of the most essential qualities of character are acquired by attention to small things.

Having to be at a certain place to perform a certain duty at a certain time, day after day, tends to develop promptness and faithfulness,—requisites so essential to success in this busy age.

Having to appear cheerful and greet one’s friends courteously under all trying circumstances, develops genuine, heartfelt cheerfulness and kindness, which bring a store of good things in their trail,—health, happiness, contentment, an influence for good over those with whom one comes in touch.

The effort to rise above the little things which perplex, and to overlook in others the little things—so often really non-essentials—which may annoy us, helps us to keep more clearly in view our desired goal. It is our privilege, and duty, too, to rise above such things; for—

“The little worries which we meet each day May lie as stumbling-blocks across our way; Or we may make them stepping-stones to be Of grace, O Christ, to thee.” —Ada M. Learned.