8/26/20
Yesterday and today we’re getting to help another pastor. But this is different. Unlike the other pastor who came and helped us move the pews, this pastor can’t help us or say hi to us or come anywhere near contact with us because he has cancer. Recently, he had surgery and is recovering. His wife and family are doing their best but also have their own health struggles to cope with. So, we’re here at the pastor’s house to do the yard work they haven’t been able to do because there are so many other important things taking priority.
There’s a blackberry bush in the front yard that’s taken over and entwined itself in a tree/bush. 4 of my fellow missionaries (including our host who is a former world racer from Erica Everett’s original squad) cut it out one piece at a time. They took home plenty of battle wounds because we all know how blackberries are.
I and some others took to weeding the front yard. We focused there the first day and on the backyard the second day.
As we worked, so many neighbors and family members walked by and had to comment about how thankful they are for the work we’re doing. They know far more than I do the struggles this family is facing. I can only imagine as I watch my hosts becoming emotional after talking to the family.
This family has impacted so many people in a beautiful way.
This, being here, pulling weeds, spending a couple days as a team doing yard work, this is all I can offer them in the middle of their struggles.
But it matters.
These, the smallest acts done with great love, matter.
It can be discouraging to wish there was more we could do for someone we love, but remember that the little things matter. Every prayer matters. Every tear matters. Every hug matters. Every smile matters. Every small errand or task matters.
Do the small things for the people you love, never worrying about whether you will be repaid or receive a reward. Because doing without that worry is what love is. That is how you love somebody.
Don’t lose sight of that.
Do the small things. Do them with great love.
