Stirrups

Little things matter, a lot.

I think it was C.S. Lewis who said that minute and miniature actions of grace are not merely added together, rather they multiply exponentially.

So often we're worrying about the big things. We wish so dearly to do the big things well, to the very edge of perfection. Yet, when it comes to the tiny things, the behind-the-scenes moments, the dirty jobs, the non-recognized acts of service, we often seem to...well...drag our feet. It's been really easy to take care of the big things here at Grace. Really easy. Sure, there's a lot of work involved in planning and teaching a small group leadership class, organizing and leading worship for Sunday morning, or carefully exegeting and artfully crafting the words of a sermon. They're work, don't get me wrong, but it's illustrious work, important work.

Big people work.

But what about the little things? What about changing the rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom stalls? How about changing church banners or moving a shed? What about taking 10 minutes from a semi-busy afternoon to talk to a group of pre-teen boys?

Our economy of actions is of this kingdom. However, our currency and credit of action is severely distorted when it comes to the truest picture of the near-infinite universe of possibility and action. Have you ever thought about how even the smallest change in history could have dire consequences today? Take this for example; what is the greatest and most influential invention in the history of man...the light bulb?...the telephone?...how about anesthetic?

Try stirrups.

In the 11th century William the Conqueror had invaded England, fighting in a war that seemed a lost cause at best. After all, his troops were outnumbered almost 3 to 1, the terrain was vast and left his men exhausted from travel, and to make it worse they were on an island with no easy access to new supplies. Watching the fighting from a distance, he noticed that his men were often falling off their horses from the sheer jarring of hurled rocks and banging swords. That night in the camp, he called together some of his military strategists and had them construct a harness place across the horse with some sort of attachment device in order to anchor one's feet into their horse. And so, the stirrup was created.

Big deal.

Well, it was this new ability to stay on their horses that changed the tides of war. William's forces were victorious and subdued the native people. From there, they began inhabiting the island soon to be called England. It was there that William began the building of an empire which soon grew to prevalent force in the centuries to follow. It was this nation that eventually went to colonize a new world across the ocean. A land we call America. What does this mean?

The narrative known as world history was changed by stirrups.

Little things matter. How will it change us someday to look around heaven and see the janitors and carpenters, the bus drivers and fishermen, the stay-at-home moms and garbage men, who will be wearing the brightest of crowns. Their work may have seemed small, insignificant, pointless...but how little actions have changed the world!!! Even the simplist of bathroom cleaners may be the vessel of grace who has brought thousands to Christ.

And we call preaching and worship leading ministry!!!

You're important. What you do matters.
Especially if it is not you, but Christ within you.

Home in 11 days. : ) hope to see you soon!