Sunday, August 24, 2008

Think Small

As I finish up the book "The Irresistible Revolution," I find it hard to pick just one of the hundreds of quotes and topics I have highlighted throughout the book for a discussion. the whole book is really very discussional. Mom says it is because i have to say exactly what i'm thinking in order to process it (she thinks i talk too much...imagine that). Regardless, i have a lot to say and very little space (ok, not true. I will probably write more later....limitless space on the internet...). So here goes just one of the many thoughts rolling around in my head (thank you, shane claiborne).


"It is easy to fall in love with the great things..."
The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne

How often do the big things catch our eye? The grand house at the corner of the ritzy neighborhood, the suped up sports car cruising by your own car, the colorful new gadgets lining store shelves, the superstar athletes winning the shiny gold... All the time. As humans we rarely notice something that is not "big," "in-your-face," "wow." We forget to stop, take a breath and notice the greatness all around us in the small and simple things of life. Greatness often comes in small packages. In the smile of a small child, the cheeriness of a ladybug, the gratitude of a struggling beggar, in the simplicity of a stable.... Claiborne says it best:
  • We have a God who enters the world through smallness-- a baby refugee, a homeless rabbi, the lilies and the sparrows. We have a God who values the little offering of a couple of coins from a widow over the mega charity of millionaires. We have a God who speaks through little people-- a stuttering spokesman names Moses; the stubborn donkey of Balaam; a lying brothel owner named Rahab; an adulterous kind named David; a ragtag bunch of disciples who betrayed, doubted, and denied; and a converted terrorist named Paul.
Dont forget the small people and the small but beautiful details in the creation all around you. God uses it all for HIS glory. See them all through HIS eyes. Don't miss it.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I really like the way you use your words! It is so true, we often overlook the small things in life. God often uses the most unexpected ways to speak, comfort and help us in our everyday lives. Not that God doesn't use millionaires, sport cars and big houses, but I think it is fair to say that is the "big" things that tend lure us away the most. We should always be looking for God in EVERY situation. Thank you Kristyn for sharing another one of your AMAZING devotions. I can't wait for another one!!! Love you:)