My knuckles turned white, while my fingers cramped.
I hope she didn’t notice this grubby soap dish while she was washing her hands, I thought to myself. I continued to scrub at the soap residue embedded on the sides of my plastic soap dish. My soap dish, formerly unnoticeable to me, until a friend stopped by, had needed a good scrubbing for several weeks. After several minutes I stepped back to survey the fruit of my labor.
A sparkling clean dish!
It gave me satisfaction to see that dish every time I washed my hands. I even made special trips into the bathroom to gaze and reflect on how wonderful it looked in comparison to how it used to look. As a matter of fact I enjoyed the transformation so much, I glanced around to see what else I could clean. THE SOCK DRAWER.
I tackled it with gusto!
I emptied the drawer and ruthlessly began to sort socks. Holey socks went to the rag bag, orphan socks shared the same fate. Any socks not worn in the past two years went to Goodwill. I must confess at the bottom of the drawer I found a baby sock from my first born son … he’s now 28.
I was on a roll.
From the SOCK DRAWER (now just a sock drawer) I turned to my closet, then to my dresser and finally to my storage area above my closet. By the time I finished my cleaning my room, a revival was underway. Every room in the house has been affected. I began to notice something changing in my heart. Anxiety and chaos where being replaced by peace, satisfaction, clarity.
My whole life was more under control.
I established new routines. The Ohio Rule (Only Handle It Once) has became my mantra and the 10 Minute Clean-up. My house is now “company ready” even on a Thursday night. I used to think I didn’t have time to clean on a daily basis; I’d save everything for a major Saturday overhaul. Now, I actually have more free time. Time to serve others. Time to make meals for those in need. Time to teach a Bible study. Time to sing in a special event.
One small change has led to big changes.
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…” Luke 16:10. One small thing has led me to improve several bigger things. Doing what is right and good and best for something insignificant has caused me to do what is right and good and best for some things significant.
PS …
My husband has been affected by the cleaning bug. He recently remarked how messy his side of the kitchen table looked compared to the rest of the table. He decided to clean it up.
As you go through your day today, look for the little things God has placed within your reach. Who needs a word of encouragement, a helping hand, a home cooked meal. Little things can lead to big things.
Leave me a comment below about your experiences with little things. I’d love to hear from you!
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Mary, I love this!! Yes, it’s so easy to overlook the daily messes big and little until seen through the eyes of a friend, neighbor, or your mother!
How wonderful that one small act of cleaning led to much bigger things. And the same spiritually. One small act of obedience can lead to much bigger ones. Thanks for sharing this.
This has made a huge difference in my life! I hope it helps you too!