Little Things

“There came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. But some were indignantly remarking to one another, ‘Why has this perfume been wasted?’ … But Jesus said, ‘Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me … She has done what she could.'” Mark 14:3-4, 6 & 8, NASB

Dear Readers,

Something new happened this morning. I received a reader’s request regarding a blog topic. And guess who that reader is? None other than my sweet, supportive husband, Mark Wickham! He was talking about the value of doing little things, which prompted me to mention a new song I’m loving, “Dream Small” by Josh Wilson.

In this world of celebrity everything, do you ever feel like your life doesn't measure up? #Insecure #Value Share on X

Maybe that thought doesn’t cross your mind consciously. But as you consider it now, you’re thinking, “Yeah… that is how I feel deep down inside. I’m not doing enough. I’m not effective enough. I’m not ______” (fill in the blank).

God has been teaching me about the source of my thoughts, and I can share confidently that thoughts like the one above are NOT from the Lord. I believe they’re lies generated by our enemy, who preys upon our fleshly tendencies toward self-absorption, insecurities, and so on. Time after time, I’ve fallen into the trap of bemoaning my lack of influence.

Yet God says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

If God has prepared works for us, such as loving our husbands, caring for our children, reaching out in our neighborhoods, serving at church, shining Christ’s love at the workplace, and more…

Why do we believe the lie that God's plans for us aren't good enough? #GodsPlan #Lies Share on X

Are you planning family meals? Rejoice. You’re serving your family, providing an atmosphere for love and laughter around the table.

Are you registering your children for classes and buying school supplies? Celebrate. You’re nurturing your children’s minds and investing in their future.

Are you caring for an elderly parent? Treasure. Moments with your loved one are nearing an end. God esteems your loving care.

Are you picking up smelly laundry and throwing it in the washing machine? Smile. You’re helping those you love most by offering them clean clothes.

Are you laboring at work for countless hours? Relax. You’re practicing responsibility by paying your bills, and you’re caring for your family as well as impacting others.

Are you playing with your children or talking with your teen? Enjoy. One day your children will be fully grown and on their own, but they’ll remember special moments spent with you.

Are you sharing the Gospel with one other person? Well done. God’s kingdom grows one person at a time.

Are you loving others in your sphere of influence? Hallelujah! Without love, we’re nothing.

Over time, little things add up to big things.

Let's listen to God's Word concerning the things we do instead of accepting the devil's lies. #Listen #Truth Share on X

The woman who anointed Jesus didn’t waste her perfume. She used what she possessed in order to honor the Lord. And so can we. Every comforting word, every peal of laughter, every desperate prayer, every act of kindness—when rooted in Christ—makes a difference. These good works spread God’s love in our homes, our neighborhoods, our churches, our land … and our world.

In Christ’s Love,