Small Deeds Done (9/3/2023)

This morning as I sat at my computer, not sure what I was going to write, I noticed a flag on my inbox icon. Eager to do anything other than spin my wheels, I opened up my e-mail. And there was the most delightfully kind and gracious message from a friend who reads my blog. I read it through more than once and allowed the loving kindness tucked in between the words to thoroughly soothe my brain and heart. It was a small thing, perhaps, on some people’s scale, but on mine it was huge because it happened. And I recalled one of my father’s wisest pieces of advice: small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.

The thought probably wasn’t original to my father, I learned later in life that he’d borrowed a line or two. But the wisdom is still there, even if it is borrowed. My father was trying to encourage me to do what I could in the moment instead of just telling myself “Someday I will.” I’ve since learned to the center of my being that life is too precious to put things off, it can all be gone in a blink. Sometimes, often times, we don’t get a second chance.

I think of all the “small deeds” I’ve benefited from over the years: cards sent, calls made, conversations on the fly, an unexpected bouquet, a compliment just at the right time, a helping hand when I felt overwhelmed, etc. Indeed, my life is a series of graced moments, small deeds by others, that heartened me, encouraged me, helped me through that part of my journey.

I don’t have to look far to recognize the merit of this approach to life. While our Savior, Jesus Christ, knew what He was about, on his journey to Calvary for our salvation, He stopped often what He was doing and planning to do what could be done in the moment. Jesus gave us the example of doing all the good that could be done in the moment beginning with seeing one another and encouraging one another along the way.

And so, this morning as I sat at my computer, I wrote a note to myself on one of the scrap papers on my desktop. “Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” I promised myself I would remember that and take the opportunities when they availed themselves to do good, no matter how small the deed.

Our journey has a clear destination, life in, with and through our LORD in great abundance, blessed and full of joy. But on our journey, we are called to see those around us and help where we can. There are so many small things we can do along the way that take only seconds but that lift a heart or encourage a soul because they are done with love. Let us take the time now, whenever we can, to do the small things.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.