Every day there are little things. Little things that seem insignificant at quick glance. Little things that don’t seem to make an impact one way or the other. I’ve been just as guilty as the next person. I’ve overlooked and underestimated the value. I’ve shrugged it off or even dismissed it. And then I get a subtle reminder. A little nudge (that probably isn’t so little).
Has anyone noticed? All that work didn’t just drop out of the sky. I spent hours making sure everything was exactly right. Why did I even bother?
Of course it’s nice to be recognized and appreciated. Most of us understand that. But how often are we being intentional about seeking out those things that don’t get noticed? Are we searching out ways to quietly have a positive impact on a particular situation simply because it’s the right thing to do?
As an extrovert, I generally find myself gravitating to people and “where things are happening”. I often find myself in the middle of something almost without even realizing it. There’s nothing wrong with that and the world certainly needs those people. What would be harder for me would be to discover that thing that no one is really paying attention to. The thing that’s going unnoticed. The coworker suffering silently. The widow across the aisle in church. The smile that seems pressed on for the occasion. Or even just the candy wrapper that the previous 17 individuals stepped over instead of picking up.
This week I’m heading to Grand Rapids for my third year of attending Speak Up. It’s been so humbling to watch the doors that God has opened and asked me to step through. The platforms He’s given me to stand in front of countless women and tell them about Jesus. But in a myriad of ways and an equal number of times, He’s reminded me that I can’t sacrifice the “one” to gain the many. The value and impact of one-on-one interactions that get to the heart are likely unrealized. While I’m definitely looking forward to the entire conference, the breakout sessions, etc., I find myself also needing more. I want to sit with someone and actually hear their heart, feel their emotions, and be with them in their experience; whether it’s joy or sorrow.
Much like the butterfly in this picture, our actions can often be overlooked or even unrecognized. But without the butterfly, our world would struggle to survive. The quiet ways that they go about tending to everything around us is inspiring. They don’t dance in front of us asking for attention before they pollinate the next group of flowers. They don’t sing loudly introducing themselves as they travel about.
While I’ll always welcome any opportunity to stand on a stage and speak the name of Jesus, I’m also going to be watching for candy wrappers and pressed-on smiles. If you see one first, go ahead.
Hebrews 6:10 ~ For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.