Monday, June 18, 2012

Do small things...

I love this quote from Mother Teresa:

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love."

When I was a young mom with five Littles always hanging on my ankles or perched upon my hip, I remember thinking that it was hard to get Anything done.  By "anything", I mean anything!  It seemed like there was always a basket of laundry that didn't get folded or a stack of dishes that never seemed to shrink.  The floor always needed sweeping and the family always needed feeding.  Just managing the basics was task enough, but I wanted to do Other Things too like sewing, embroidering, reading or trying my hand at watercolors.  Once in a while I would leave off scrubbing the floor from my to-do list for just a few minutes of sewing time.

I remember how I would plan out a sewing project.  One day I would cut out the pattern, the next day I would pin down the pattern and cut out the fabric.  On another day I would take just 15 minutes and see how much I could sew.  Eventually, with 15-20 minute tidbits of time, I could complete a project.  Small things, great love.

I think most of us believe that the chores we do at home day after day really aren't all that weighty in the great scheme of life.  They certainly aren't always noticeable, that is, unless they are left undone for any length of time.  It's a list of small things, not great things we do, but when you piece them all together like a patchwork quilt, all those little tiny pieces stitched together turn into a thing of beauty.   Every needle threaded, every little block sewn to another, every thoughtful deed done counts toward the Big Beautiful Quilt of Your Life. 

Then there is the Great Love part.  When we love someone, we don't mind doing the dishes for him, and we don't mind teaching him how to do the dishes for others.  We read a favorite story to a wee one over and over and over again even though we'd like to read something new.  We rub sore shoulders, we knit warm socks, we bake cookies and share them, we stay up late and talk on the phone to a child far from home -- doing small things with great love.

I embroidered the tea towel above as a little birthday gift for a dear friend.  She is someone who does lots of small things with great love, and I wanted her to have something to remind her that what she does, matters.  Small things like drying dishes is important to her family and to God.  Even when nobody else sees all these little things, you can rest assured that God does, and He smiles.  The patchwork quilt is taking shape!

Do small things with great love pattern can be found at Nana Company.  Thank you, Amy!

16 comments:

  1. thank you for the reminder.

    :-)
    libbyQ

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  2. Thank you for the sentiment in this lovely post. I agree, taking pleasure in doing small things is so relieving.

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  3. I love the embroidery! You also described how I do my sewing... 5 little ones and stolen bits of time here and there. :)

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  4. You say it so well, Jody. There is a lot of creativity in the daily doings and in the special touches. It's good to remember.
    Your tea towel is beautiful!

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  5. What a beautiful, beautiful post, Jody! This is so true, and many young moms (and even some of us older ones) need to remember it. Recently my 18 year old son called me on the phone to clarify a question about a children's book I used to read them many years ago -- who was the author, what happened in the plot? How can he find this book now? Those little acts of love (so repetitive, as you say :), stick with a child and are so meaningful. Thanks for reminding me.

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  6. Your embroidery is beautiful Ms. Gumbo! I loved reading your post too -- very well-said!

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  7. Beautiful. Thanks I needed this today...

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  8. Love this quote! I am going to make a new page for my pins and start with this one called favorite quotes! Your needle point is exquisite too!

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  9. Wonderful post. And your friend is blessed to be honored by your handwork and the appreciation of her "small things."

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  10. Beautiful post Jody. Made my day.

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  11. I had to laugh, when you have small ones, there just was never time like I have now. It is a good reminder though thanks.

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  12. Well said, my friend. Your post has brought encouragement to many!

    Joyce

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  13. Oh, Jody! I have happy tears slipping down my cheeks. I am blessed to have you as my friend. And I need to hear your message. Lately I've been wondering if after I'm gone there will be anything to remember of me. It seems that everything I do is little, but I guess the little things do add up. Thank you my dear friend.

    Love,
    Jeannie

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  14. Beautiful post, Jody, and beautiful embroidery!

    xofrances

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  15. A beautiful truth - thanks Jody!

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  16. What a great reminder to be faithful in the "small" things!

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