28 August 2017

Small actions = BIG blessings

We spent the weekend watching Mr. Wonderful's hometown of Houston be devastated by Harvey. Thankfully, our families are safe. It seems that for every heartbreaking photo or video of the destruction along the Texas coast, there is another photo or video that makes me want to stand up and cheer. The bravery and selflessness of those who are trying in whatever way they can to relieve the suffering is truly heroic. On Saturday, I told Mr. Wonderful, "I don't have the skills to rescue people, but I could feed the rescuers. I could make sandwiches. I'd make sandwiches and coffee all night." The very next day, I saw a reporter interviewing a soaked, exhausted rescuer. The reporter asked him what they needed, and the first thing he said was, "Someone to make sandwiches."

I cried.

"I CAN MAKE SANDWICHES!" 

We're 1500 miles away from home. I can't make sandwiches. But I will find something I can do.

In the midst of all this, look what arrived in the mail today. How perfect is this?

This sweet gift is from Mary Ann in Ohio. An Alamo key chain (my hometown is San Antonio, Texas), and a pin with several charms that will be perfect for embellishing my Texas finishes. This gift was mailed on Friday, before the storm even hit, and arrived today to cheer me up. Perfect timing. Thank you, Mary Ann. This "small" gesture made such a big difference in my day today.

A long time ago, I posted this quote from Pascal: 

"Little things comfort us because little things distress us."

I mentioned this quote to Mr. Wonderful yesterday, and observed that little things can comfort us when big things are distressing us, too. Never underestimate the power of "little things" to make big differences.

We can't all be the heroes wading through chest-deep water to rescue people. We can't all be on the spot, providing relief to the rescuers and the rescued. But we can all find something to do, and nothing is too small. Nothing.

5 comments:

  1. You're so right about little things,they make such a difference & are ever so uplifting, including the thoughts & intentions.
    Kay.

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  2. Well said, Honeybee! It makes my heart soar seeing (and hearing about) the communities come together to help each other out. What precious gifts you received from Mary Ann!

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  3. We really take things for granted until something happens, don't we?
    My heart goes out to all in need.
    Any small gesture is appreciated.
    Marilyn

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  4. I have learned, especially since being forced indoors all of the time, that ANYONE is capable of being a prayer warrior if willing.

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  5. What a sweet and caring gift from Mary Ann. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Texas and their wonderful people. They sure are a shining example of what is good in this country and set an example for all of us. RJ

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