I’ve noticed how the little things have a huge impact. On Monday as I painted alongside Pastor Reuben, I asked him how he carried the things he needed for ministry when riding his bicycle. He has two modes of transportation available to him – his bicycle and walking. By bicycle, it takes him 30 minutes to reach his church. Walking takes him an hour – and when it rains, it is nearly impossible for him to reach his church. So, he replied that he uses a bag that he holds between his handlebars, but often the Bible that he carries ends up damaged. When I mentioned this to Amanda, she offered her backpack as a gift to Reuben.

On Tuesday morning as we ended our painting and said farewell to Reuben, I gave him the backpack. It was as if I had given him a treasure from heaven. A backpack was beyond anything he imaged possible. The expression on his face was something I will never forget. He had never worn a backpack and needed help figuring out how to wear it. We had also filled it with food. “I can now climb mountains!” he said. Frankly, from what I learned about his life, I think he is climbing mountains ever day.

This was an emotional day – saying farewell, sharing notes, hugs, photos – and tears. That’s the nature of relationships and the realization that we are all part of the same family in Christ. A brief note from a child at LOH is now a treasured gift. In leaving Light of Hope, the children walked with us, hand-in-hand, the half mile back to the place we have been staying. Part of the way, I walked with Margaret, one of the girls who will be going off to high school next month. She thanked me for coming, mentioning certain things I had said or done during the week – little things that I had nearly forgotten.

I’ve learned that there are no little things. What I’ve considered little things can have great impact. The scripture that I read for today is Jesus’ teaching from Luke 17. He states that even faith the size of a mustard seed (which is about the size of a head of a pin) is enough to have impact. Don’t dismiss the little things. In these past two weeks, the little things are what have changed my life.

Today’s readings: Genesis 42-43; Psalm 5; Luke 17