The Little Details Matter!
Patience: A virtue and fruit of the Spirit
With the best of intentions and in a bid to do the right thing, we sometimes neglect the little things. These so called little things are foundational, which if overlooked or taken for granted, can jeopardize the entire process of what one seeks to accomplish. Regardless of how much of a hurry one is in, these foundational matters cannot be ignored or left for another time, because the damage would already have been done, if ignored, or the opportunity missed. Imagine being in such a hurry for a meeting that you pull up to a gas station and inadvertently (hurriedly) picked up the diesel pump rather than the gasoline pump, and filled your gas tank with it?
With things of God especially, we have to patiently rely on the leading and direction of the Holy Spirit, so we don’t make impulsive decisions, or fail to see what is right in front of us; in terms of an opportunity or needed action. Even when doing things for God’s glory, we must be sensitive enough not to put routine, programs and protocol above people, and caring for people. Anything done without care, sensitivity and love doesn’t count!
Pay Attention
Several years ago, while ushering, I observed a middle aged lady come into church for the first time (I look out for first time guests). She left a memorable impression because to everyone who said hello to her, she was grumpy, and quite frankly, cold or unfriendly in her responses. I remember chuckling to myself and thinking about a matter I usually ponder on – how anyone can come to church and yet be hostile or unfriendly. There was however a quickening in my spirit that there was a justifiable reason why this lady had the temperament she had. One of my watch words is “Never make assumptions.” We sadly sometimes make assumptions based on preconceptions, stereo-types or past experiences.
I felt a conviction to do my best to get to know this lady. Sunday after Sunday, over the next few months, she would come to church with the same unfriendly demeanor and grumpy response to any greeting. Yet, I persisted in welcoming her with an authentic smile and greeting. Surprisingly, after a particular morning service, she asked if she could speak with me privately. It was the first time I properly heard her voice beyond a mutter. We went into an open Sunday school classroom, and she started by expressing her gratitude for the warm way I welcomed her every Sunday.
She informed me she had been battling with cancer for years and that she had been going through a difficult time. She further stated that she had left her former church because she felt her absence, while she was hospitalized recently wasn’t acknowledged or inquired about. She felt uncared for and was hurt. I can’t recall my exact words to her, but I did my best to encourage her and asked if I could pray with her, which she agreed to. We prayed and for the few Sundays she came to church afterwards, there was a visible change; joy in her heart and smiles on her face. Glory be to God!
Shortly thereafter, she asked someone to inform me at church that she had been admitted to the hospital. I informed my former pastor (DM) and in our characteristic way, agreed to visit her in the hospital. We ended up visiting her on the same day. Pastor DM and his wife (JM) were there when I arrived. This poor lady was in bad shape; tubes hooked up here and there, with little or no movement. It was a shocking sight for all of us when JM spoke to her and said, “Look, Lanre’s here” and she immediately opened her eyes for a few seconds.
Your Actions/Inactions Leave an Impact
She passed away a few days later. I didn’t attach any particular significance to my interaction with her whenever she attended church services; only that I knew it was the right thing to do; to keep welcoming her with God’s love. The bigger shock for me came while I was at her funeral service and another lady came looking for me and introduced herself as the deceased’s sister. She said, “You must be Lanre. I’ve heard all about you.” She then informed me that before her sister passed away, she had requested that I speak at her funeral. How was she sure I would attend? Was one of the many thoughts that crossed my mind. It was extremely humbling to have been asked to speak at the funeral of someone I only knew for a few months, but felt a closeness that was weaved together by God’s love and His Holy Spirit. I share these details to emphasize the fact that every little thing we do and say matters; for good or for bad. Let us purpose to be the Ambassadors for Christ we are called to be in our every interaction with others.
For His Glory,
Lanre Asiru.