I’ve got a new daughter, she has brought endless joy to our lives. One morning, when she was just a couple of weeks old, I thumbed through her closet looking for what to dress her in for the day. In the middle of all of her tiny clothes, was a little yellow outfit that said “enjoy the little things”. I was stopped in my tracks. In this little piece of fabric, God gave me a clear message: Slow down, enjoy the little things.
The little things matter. In our families, our contexts, and our city as whole. Our city is a collection of little miracles unfolding before our eyes, through small spaces and opportunities in the everyday circumstances of our lives.
Today, we pray together for the little things. The small pains, joys, and moments. They all matter, and they’re all important in unleashing the Beauty, Justice, and Good News in our city.
Read - Matthew 13:31-33
The Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 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.”
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
Reflect
Jesus’ words show us that the smallest of moments and actions can reach all the way to the margins of our world. Tiny glimpses of God’s beauty can bring hope to the brokenhearted, and the smallest of injustices can tear apart communities.
Our vision of Gospel Flourishing in Kansas City is huge, and it’s the vision God has given us–but how do we get there? Through daily, small acts of obedience.
As we pray today, we ask God to reveal to us the little things in our lives that matter. We will not miss them, Lord. Open our eyes.
Where have you seen small glimpses of God’s beauty in your life?
Take a moment to write these down or reflect on them. Thank God for them, and pray that He will open your eyes to see more.
Where are the moments of injustice that you’ve looked over?
Take a minute to reflect on the brokenness around you. Is it an isolated neighbor or a hurting family member? Is it prejudice and hate that hasn’t been addressed? Pray that God would highlight those injustices, and give you the courage to step in, no matter how small.
What are the small stories that need to be shared?
Pray that God would reveal the stories that we’ve deemed “too small” to share. All good news is worthy of a story in the Kingdom of Heaven. Make a plan to share a story with someone this week, no matter how small.
Pray
Father, shine a light on the little things. Don’t let us walk past what deserves our attention. We don’t want to miss you, Lord.