I was struck, waking up this morning, that this day has never existed before. These 24 hours are living history. Who knows what will transpire during these brief and fleeting hours? (well, besides God, of course). Yesterday, one little unedited line of computer coding shut down airlines, airports, banks, and more. And not just in one city, not just in the US, but around the world. The issue is being corrected, but will have reverberating effects for several days, causing many headaches and temper flare-ups. But, what about today? If that one small error can produce such widespread chaos, what catapulting impact could there be from one small decision to do good?
How many times have we heard testimonies from people whose lives have been radically changed by the smallest of gestures, a seemingly insignificant encounter, a random word (like apples of gold in settings of silver? Proverbs 25:11). With the Holy Spirit nudging us on, what possibilities will be set out waiting for us on today’s trajectory? If we follow St. Paul’s encouragement to us, and make prayer a constant throughout the day, how many nuggets will we discover? What if our day is one that could use one of those simple interventions? How important would we consider them to be then?
I have a hunch that following the Holy Spirit’s promptings could have the ‘butterfly effect’ (essentially, little things can have huge impact). I think that’s what God wanted from His people, Israel, throughout the history of Old Testament days. I think He desired continual small obediences which, cumulatively, would have transformed the world. Unfortunately, reading the pages of the Old Testament, His people couldn’t or wouldn’t follow His instructions. He admonished and pleaded and scolded and punished and forgave, with little lasting change. I remember shaking my head at their stubbornness, thinking to myself, ‘Guys, what is your problem?’ Then I looked in the mirror and thought, ‘Oh.’
How many reminders has God set out on today’s path? Who will need our smile, our little kindness, our word of encouragement, our restraint from blurting out the first flash of frustration? What ripple effects are possible from our own Yeses? What joy could be ours by that small courtesy of someone else? (To consider throughout the day). Looking forward to seeing you radiant, obedient saints tomorrow, 10 AM, 4 PM. PD
