Mother Teresa once said “We can do no great things, only little things with great love.” It was last week when I saw this put into action. I was working my shift with the older boys at the orphanage when I realized that I had left my book back in my room, which is about 200 yards away from the where the children live. I stepped outside to see if it was raining, something it frequently does here in the evening, and it was. Since I had also forgotten my rain jacket I turned to go back inside until I heard one of the little girls call out “Kuya”, which means older brother. She ran over to me and insisted that I could use her umbrella to walk to my room. I was reluctant, but the little girl kept insisting. I finally agreed and she ran to the school bus where it was left, brought it to me, and told me in her broken English that I could just return the umbrella to one of the house mom’s whenever I was done with it.
This story isn’t a great story, it’s actually quite boring. But what really struck me was that even though I didn’t any hints about my need to go to my room, my friend saw my need and acted quickly. It wasn’t a great thing, just a small thing with great love.
This challenged me.
There are many times in my day that I see small ways to love people, but how often do I take the time to even try to act on what I see. In most cases I bet that it wouldn’t take even 5 minutes out of my day to help that person I notice.
So here is my challenge to you for the week. I challenge you to act, to step out of your comfort zone, make yourself vulnerable and try and love somebody in a small way. I’d love to hear about any encounters you have where either someone has loved you or you have paid it forward to someone else.
PS – Check out our photos from the Philippines so far.
