#120of365 #FaithBites #FaithJourney #Small

Today’s lesson is about feeling small in this vast universe. Today I decided to work from home as I had a contractor to work on the bathroom and one installing internet today. I took a short nap this morning as I wasn’t feeling the best. When I woke up, I felt small. I was wrapped in my blankets, warm, tired, and small. I didn’t want to move. I didn’t want to get out of my cocoon. Not sure why I felt this way, but feeling small or inconsequential just happens sometimes, I guess. When it happens to me, it is a bit unsettling. As many of you know, I’m a big guy (6’2″, 300 something), so feeling small isn’t something I’m used to. Yet, here it was.

In life, many times we think about being small as being bad. Not tall enough to ride the rides at the amusement park. Not tall enough to reach things on the shelf. Not tall enough to look out the window. Not old enough to drive (usually small and age are linked). Not old enough to go to school. Not old enough to make my own choices. These are all times when feeling small is disheartening.

When I think of being small, I try to think about Piglet. Yes, Piglet from Winnie the Pooh. Piglet is small but showcases virtue. There are two books by Benjamin Hoff about Chinese Philosophy told through Winnie the Pooh Characters. The Tao of Pooh and the Te of Piglet. The Te of Piglet explains the Chinese concept of Te, meaning ‘power’ or virtue’. What Piglet lacks in stature he more than makes up for in the size of his heart.  Scripture showcases this well.

“Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” – Matthew 13:32

“Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” – James 3:4-5

The mustard seed is a concept, familiar to most in Christianity. This small plant that takes root, grows and spread. It is the smallest of the seeds but has a huge impact on the garden. Just as those who are small in feeling or stature can have the greatest of impacts. Like Piglet who is always there. He helps Pooh when he isn’t feeling his chipperness. He gives hugs. He is just there and shares his heart with everyone.

In James, we see that the largest of ships are steered by a small rudder. A tongue, though very small, can light the world on fire. These small things are powerful. We are powerful. We can look to scripture and see how the weak prosper (Matthew 5:5), how those of humble (or small) beginnings prosper (Job 8:7),  and servants become friends (John 15:15).  Don’t fret when you are small. You are in good company, with Piglet, his friends, and the Lord.

Are you willing to see being small as an asset? Are you willing to look at the power that your heart contains? Can you seek the Lord when you are feeling little?

I am willing (with the help of God).