Small things

My kids keep me from serving and connecting with people at church all the time.

I’ll start having a conversation with someone who I really want to know how she is doing…⁣

And then my kid runs out of sight and I have to run after them.

I’ll see a new family after church that I want to get to know better…

And every time I start walking their way, one of my kids desperately needs my urgent attention.

I catch up with another friend I haven’t seen in a while…⁣

And then I have to go help a kid who is feeling anxious.

I want to be friendly. I want to meet new people. To connect. To show love. ⁣

And yet I feel distracted and disconnected.

I recently prayed for a new perspective and some clarity, because I didn’t like how frustrated I was feeling.

Eventually, the Spirit brought two things to my mind:

First, I remembered the different uplifting interactions I had with people BECAUSE my kids are being kids.

New friendships being made. Other people serving ME. ⁣

And secondly, the Spirit brought to my mind this scripture:

“Out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” D&C 64:33⁣

I often feel like I’m missing out on some great things at church.

Because I am instead stuck doing a bunch of little, insignificant things. ⁣

Pulling out a Jesus book to distract, opening another pack of fruit snacks, pulling a hand away from a cord, picking up the kid trying to lick the A/C vent (again), picking up the goldfish, talking out of a meltdown, teaching about reverence in the chapel…

I do a lot of small things. ⁣

But I do them for three little kids that I love. Because right now, they need the fruit snacks. They need the carrying. They need the teaching. They need the constant attention.

And out of all of these small, little things…

Comes all the REALLY great stuff.

Seriously, these kids are going to be amazing grownups. I can tell already.

And because I will become greater as I step into my role as their mother.

Parenthood is doing a lot of the small stuff. The diaper changes, wiping up the spill, giving a hug, over and over.

Small stuff. All day, every day.

But it’s out of these small things.

The songs sung during the diaper change, the invitation to help mommy clean up the spill, the loving smile and little tickle when I give the hug.

Out of these small things proceedeth that which is great.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black