A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life

A Weblog Dedicated to the Discussion of the Christian Faith and 21st Century Life
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I do not seek to understand that I may believe, but I believe in order to understand. For this also I believe, –that unless I believed, I should not understand.-- St. Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109)

Monday, December 26, 2005

The Significance of Little Things

Harold was an active member of our church for many years. He was given the title of "church caretaker" because he did so many "little things" around the church. Every Sunday morning when I sat down behind the pulpit to prepare for worship, there was a glass of water under the pulpit waiting for me. When we needed someone to set up the candelabras for weddings, Harold was always there to make sure it happened. Harold was the one who changed the light bulbs, put the title of the sermon on the sign in the front yard of the church, and he was always the first one we would call when we couldn't find something. He did so many "little things" I cannot even begin to name all of them.

A few months ago Harold died. In addition to how much we miss him, we have come to realize how significant the "little things" are. Since his death, there have been more than a few occasions when something did not get done, and we figured out the reason why-- Harold had done it. At our Christmas Eve service Saturday evening, I realized at the last moment that we needed someone to turn down the lights as we lighted candles in order to sing "Silent Night." We had not thought about it earlier because that was something Harold had always done.

Harold now sings "Silent Night" with the saints in glory, and as we were surrounded by that great cloud of witnesses on Christmas Eve (Hebrews 12:1), I am sure Harold was singing with us. We miss him, not only for all the "little things" he did for us, but because his life made a big impact on those who knew him.

Little things in life are significant. We neglect them at our peril. Please take time to attend to the little things. It will turn a good life into a great life!

4 comments:

Georges said...

Yes!
I did not know Harold, but it seems to me that most churches have Saint Harold. And t hey would be embarassed to know they have been noticed. I want to be like that.
Georges

Anonymous said...

Dr. Bevere,
I'm glad to see you blogging. By the way thanks so much for this story. Here is wishing you and your family a blessed new year.
Blessings,
Matthew D. Montonini

Allan R. Bevere said...

Amen!

Allan R. Bevere said...

Matthew:

Thanks! May you have a blessed new year as God goes with you.