I’ve often heard people say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” I’ve even read a book by this title, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff. Yet it seems to me that character is formed by how we meet the small things in life. It’s how you handle the small things that determines who you are.

A smile instead of a frown to the slow lady in the Walmart line. A kindness shown when you have to go a little out of your way. Taking time for a child when you are busy. Spending time with your spouse in an unhurried manner. These small things are not small things.

Contemplate these quotes:

“The practice, in the details of life, of the principles laid down in God’s word, is too often looked upon as unimportant—a matter too trivial to demand attention. But in view of the issue at stake, nothing is small that will help or hinder. Every act casts its weight into the scale that determines life’s victory or defeat.” Acts of the Apostles p.313

God tests and proves us by the common occurrences of life. It is the little things which reveal the chapters of the heart. It is the little attentions, the numerous small incidents and simple courtesies of life, that make up the sum of life’s happiness; and it is the neglect of kindly, encouraging, affectionate words, and the little courtesies of life, which helps compose the sum of life’s wretchedness. It will be found at last that the denial of self for the good and happiness of those around us constitutes a large share of the life record in heaven.” Adventist Home p.108

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10).

Build your life on the small stuff.

Juanita Edge, Communication Director