A God of Details, Embracing Smallness

Posted by Leslie | March 30, 2009 | 40 Comments

rbiiwebsize “So what does that painting mean? I don’t mean that it is bad or anything, but does it have any purpose or significance or is a just a design?,” one of my friends asked.

The rest of the party conversations in the room halted. People turned to me, and to the painting to see how I would respond. A large abstract painting that hangs over my fireplace, black-brown branches trailing down from the top of the bold red canvas. Gold leaf circles almost berry-like clustering around the branches. The in between spaces are filled with contrasting varied colored squares and rectangles.“Well,” I choked somewhat embarrassed, “I wanted a way to visually represent what our lives really are: aggregates of our relationships and influences, composites of tiny actions, everyday moments that ultimately assemble into what we are and give our lives meaning. ”

Without the entire composition in mind, each little rectangle or square is small and seemingly insignificant in isolation. Together they create a richness, a rhythm in the repetitions, a fullness playing contrasts against compliments.

I know God to be a powerful God. He can create or destroy. Still above all, I believe in God not because of the vastness of our Earth, but because I find God in my details– eloquently, powerfully, simply. He is undeniably there, in all my insignificance, lining my path with people, opportunities, and influences to make my life meaningful and beautiful.

So what does God want from me? What am I to learn from him?

He wants me to see the power in small and simple things, that they are part of his grand compositions. He needs me to be humble enough to do the little things. Mother Teresa put it well in these words:

We must not drift away from humble works, because these are the works nobody will do. It is never too small. We are so small we look at things in a small way. But God almighty sees everything great. Therefore if you just go and sit and listen – go visit somebody, or bring somebody a flower- small things, wash clothes for somebody, or clean the house, very humble work that is where you and I must be. For there are many people who can do big things. But there are very few who will do the small things.

In my painting, I see my life. I see the people who did things that were small to them, but important to me. The principal whose 15-minute meeting changed my academic course, the woman who invited me to do my first solo art show, the doctor whose off-handed recommendation saved the life of my child, the patient I worked with for a few hours in Kenya, the visiting teacher who brought me dinner, the seminary teacher who gave me advice, the inspiring women of Segullah who have encourage me to think deeply. All left indelible marks and continue to reverberate across my life.

Where is God in your life? Share with me your details. What experiences and relationships show you God cares? What small or seemingly mundane things have had dramatic effects on you or given your life meaning? How do you keep this perspective, embrace the smallness, and seek after opportunities to serve and help?

Comments

40 Responses to “A God of Details, Embracing Smallness”

Blue
March 30th, 2009 @ 7:07 am

even without the elegant explanation, i love this painting! but the explanation makes it even more beautiful.

now excuse me while i go pour cereal for my kids and clean the toilet.
Leslie
March 30th, 2009 @ 7:13 am

blue- I was so curious about your last comment on seeing a piece in person I have to ask which one or whose it was. thank you for the compliment- yes be about your small things- i think i can see a cereal pouring square in the piece.
Emily M.
March 30th, 2009 @ 8:40 am

My grandma passed away this morning, and reading this post made me think of all the many ways her attention to details blessed my life. Every year she sent me and all my children birthday cards, anniversary cards, Valentines cards, and she did this for all 28 of her grandkids, and she did it with love and joy. I will miss her so much. To me she exemplifies what you are talking about in your description of the painting (which I love): “aggregates of our relationships and influences, composites of tiny actions that give our lives meaning.” She spent her life reaching out and making me feel loved.

I need to be like that. I wish it came more naturally to me, though. But maybe it didn’t come as naturally to her as it seemed to. All those cards; a lot of work. But she chose to do it, because she loved us and she wanted us to know that.
Leslie
March 30th, 2009 @ 8:55 am

Emily- My sympathies at your grandmother’s passing. Oh how those small things need to be remembered and cherished, in all their simple quietness. For me when I reflect on my expereinces as the recipient, it reminds me more to be the agent.
Kay
March 30th, 2009 @ 9:10 am

I see God in my wok as a mother and homemaker. When I first gave up work I missed it terribly. After 3 children and 12 years at home I love it. Many people in England see being a SAHM as living as a parasite on your husband. However, I cherish it. The little things I do make a difference an dit took me years to realise it. Being at home at the end of the day is so important to me. Talking about how school went, cooking all my meals from scratch, they are all little things that make up the big picture. Now my husband is out of work and things may have to change. I don’t want to give up the mundane little things in my life, although I know it is a strong possibility that I may now have to go back to work. God is there helping me, giving me supportive friends, and some calm in this storm. We need to serve and love where we are, I love where I am, and now need to accept that things may be very different but that I can still love and serve in a different place/context.

One of the things that has made the biggest influences in my life is knowing that I have always have amazing friends at whatever stage in life I have been. Some have been friends nearly forever, some made along the way in callings etc. I find that they are one of my greatest joys in life. A phone call can change my day and lift my mood. Thank you God for friends, the telephone and the internet.
FoxyJ
March 30th, 2009 @ 9:16 am

This idea of small things also made me think of my grandmother, who passed away almost three years ago. I remember when President Monson was called, some of his children were talking about what a great example of service he had always been and how he would visit and befriend everyone. I admit that I had a little pang of envy that I didn’t come from such a wonderful family and that I didn’t have the kind of grandfather that was called to be a bishop at a young age or a general authority. Then a few months after that I went to a family reunion where my aunts and uncles talked about my grandmother. And they told many of the same sorts of stories about her that President Monson’s family tells about him–despite the fact that she was helping run a farm and had 8 kids, there were always extra places at the table. She befriended everyone in town, even the lonely and socially outcast. My aunt told a story of how my grandmother took her along to visit a woman in their ward who was homebound. My aunt was the same age as this woman’s daughters (about 13) and had looked down on them for being unkempt and unstylish. She said that going with my grandmother opened her eyes to realize that their mother was too ill to help take care of them and that she had judged too harshly. In this case, a simple act of service benefited those who were serving and those who had served. I do thimk that our lives really are made up of these small moments and that we are all connected in so many ways. I just posted on my blog about connectedness, since I attended Sunstone West on Saturday and had the opportunity to connect with some people. I think that building relationships with others, and with God, can only be done over time through small and simple acts.
Justine
March 30th, 2009 @ 10:21 am

If I can execute the small things of my day with dignity, grace, and the Spirit of love, I’m hoping that my larger self with be stronger and more beautiful in the sight of God. I’m hoping that if I can figure out how to use the Atonement in the small details of my life, my entire structure will be fed and nourished by that living water.

And dealing in the details seems more manageable because that’s where we all spend so much of our days, I think.
izzy
March 30th, 2009 @ 11:00 am

I love the painting, and loved that you could name so many small things that had been done for you that were such a significant part of your life. For me focusing on the larger self is just too overwhelming, there are too many things to focus on and fix. As i prayed last night, I asked for one thing, one small thing I could focus on to change, to fix, to serve. I believe it is by small and simple things, that great things come to pass. Thanks for the post.
Shelah
March 30th, 2009 @ 1:11 pm

I hope this doesn’t come off as totally materialistic and petty, because I’m going to say it anyway. We’re in the process of buying a new house. I know from past experience that a lot of times, finding a house is mostly a matter of deciding which imperfect house will suit your family and your paycheck and your lifestyle the best. At least that was my experience with my current and previous houses. This time we’re buying a house that we plan to spend a long time living in, and I was hoping to find something I’d love. A few weeks ago, I got an email with a new listing, and when I opened it, I started crying. This was our house! Several weeks and bumps in the road later, we now know that it really is going to be ours. It’s been such a tender mercy to feel like Heavenly Father led us to a house that would be perfect for us, led the person remodeling it to pick out things that would be exactly what we wanted. I know it’s a small thing, but I feel like I have a testimony that sometimes Heavenly Father cares about small things like black subway tiles. And yes, maybe it’s silly in light of the bigger struggles in life, but it has been strangely faith-affirming for me.
Michelle L.
March 30th, 2009 @ 1:12 pm

love this Kay– you are such a good soul.
Michelle L.
March 30th, 2009 @ 1:15 pm

ooh, having seen your house Shelah. I have to agree. And God DID lead you there.

I will never forget, a day when all the world was darkness and a sweet friend called me out of the blue. She said she was standing in the grocery line when she had a distinct impression to call me. Her call taught me that not only does she love me, but God loves me and he knew I needed that call.
Sue
March 30th, 2009 @ 1:15 pm

The small things we do definitely have the greatest influence on ourselves and others, leaving the most affecting and lasting imprints on our lives. That’s why your wonderful painting is so meaningful…other than the fact that the colors are amazing, of course!

I’ve always been someone who likes to make a big splash and have frequently operated on a grand scale, or at least, that’s where I’ve valued myself most. In recent years, my perspective has changed. I’ve come to realize every good thing is formed and refined in the details, the seemingly insignificant threads that weave their way into the tapestry of life and create either beauty or dissonance.

I love the scripture, “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass (Alma 37:6),” and I’ve come to realize that the great things are simply extensions of the details. As I grow older (and hopefully, wiser), that’s where my focus is. When I am taking care of the small things, the big things seem to take care of themselves.
Leslie
March 30th, 2009 @ 1:50 pm

I love those things you listed kay- they may seem unimportant but things my mother did for me meant more than you could imagine.
Leslie
March 30th, 2009 @ 1:51 pm

justine- you are the embodiment of this- I see your grace in small actions and I strive to emulate it
Leslie
March 30th, 2009 @ 1:52 pm

I love you view as small things are the way to progress and change
KR
March 30th, 2009 @ 1:52 pm

God is definitely in the small details of my life, leading me to people and opportunities that come together to shape who I am. I graduated from BYU last April and was married the following weekend. I had a mini-crisis not knowing what the Lord wanted me to do next. Although I was working full-time, I had more free time to read for fun. I was reading a novel when I felt strongly to pursue graduate school with an emphasis in reading and writing. Facutly members took time to meet with me, introduced me to others, my husband supported me, and things worked out so that this fall I will begin a master’s in English. It started with a promting that lead to one person after another who helped me pull together my application. Each step and each person is a little piece that came together to allow me to further my education, which will eventually be a piece of who I will be as a wife and mother, as a teacher, and a friend.
Leslie
March 30th, 2009 @ 1:55 pm

Shelah I can appreciate this- sometimes it is seems small or petty, but yes God can even been in those details- minor seemingly small things but I never doubt the nuance of God. How much do we do small little things for our kids to let them knwo we love them- even if it’s how we cut their sandiwch or something else equally mundane- is he not the same type of personal father
Leslie
March 30th, 2009 @ 2:00 pm

KR- what a great story- I have seen just such opportunties in my life- I am amazed out how he seems to wrap it up and place it in our laps sometimes
Leslie
March 30th, 2009 @ 2:01 pm

Michelle yes- I need to be more intune- to be the one to make the calls
Leslie
March 30th, 2009 @ 2:02 pm

I’ve come to realize every good thing is formed and refined in the details, the seemingly insignificant threads that weave their way into the tapestry of life and create either beauty or dissonance

sue loved that line! YES!!
m&m
March 30th, 2009 @ 2:13 pm

This post and the comments are taking my breath away. I have tears rolling down my cheeks. I’m grateful to know a God who not only creates universes, but is SO intimately in the details. And to hear others’ conviction of this. What a beautiful way to start a week. Thank you, all.
QueenScarlett
March 30th, 2009 @ 2:26 pm

I love this post. I’ve always believed in the details. Anyone can do grandiose gestures…but it takes endurance to do the little things. Ultimately that’s what a life is made up of…little, everyday moments.

God’s been there for me in a prayer of desperation…he’s filled me with warmth.
He’s there for me when I offer up my missteps… he fills me with gratitude.

He’s there with the perfect, out of the blue “I love yous” from my daughters, timed just right. He’s there when my husband cleans the kitchen. He’s there when a thoughtful friend sends an email at a moment of loneliness. He’s always there. I just have to notice the simple things …and then it’s easy to see he’s always there.

Thank you for reminding me to think more about Him today.
she-bop
March 30th, 2009 @ 2:44 pm

I think it’s all the little things that add up to the one big thing, which is, my knowledge that God loves and cares for me.

It’s when I look at the morning sky and it’s my favorite color of pink, or when I actually follow a prompting to do something small and it ends up being something big for someone else. I see God’s hand in the way things just happen to work out, but also in the way when things don’t work out the way I (with my small mortal mind) think they should.

If we could all just stop for a moment and recognize all the little things, we probably wouldn’t feel so stressed about the big things.

Nice post. Thank you. I needed this today – a reminder to open my eyes and really see.
Melissa
March 30th, 2009 @ 4:24 pm

I love the Mother Teresa quote, and the painting is stunning.

Sometimes it almost frightens me how much God is in the details, because there are so many of them and I miss so much. But it’s a beautiful reminder of how He cares for us individually.
Jennifer B.
March 30th, 2009 @ 5:27 pm

I don’t have anything to add right now, but wanted to say thank you. What a thought provoking post–and the art is beautiful too!
Tori
March 30th, 2009 @ 6:33 pm

Some details that have been really touching to me lately is how Father is creating change in the group of my Ward Family and, in so doing, changing the dynamic and developing a more FAMILY group there. It’s been amazing. And, most recently, I feel as though he’s sent a friend just for me! Seriously, this may sound totally weird, but this new family (as in just this past Sunday, new) has three daughters just like me and they are each within months of the same age as my three daughters. Can you imagine a better gift for a Mama who doesn’t get to go out much?? What a loving Father we have!!!!
traci
March 30th, 2009 @ 7:02 pm

One “small things” that this blog gives is an increasing blessing in my life, now. To tune in with ya all each day and have grown up woman talk is utterly delightful! and it helps me think and figure out what really is important to me and what do I really believe!?

The biggest think about being home that the Lord has given me is that it is ALL IMPORTANT! There used to be special days and special events – now when I pay attention, I know that there are just different ones. God blesses the Ordinary Day!

Each dish I wash for my Beloved, laundry etc and I see how doing such things is also for the beloved. To remain aware of this at all times – that is the work!
kat
March 30th, 2009 @ 9:16 pm

Shelah,

I don’t think it is materialistic at ALL. I am having sort of the same experience. We just got word that the house we have been trying to buy since Aug. is finally within our reach. The offer has been accepted. I have known we were meant to be in this house for months and months. So many things have transpired in these many months and indeed the Lord is in control and wants us to know he is mindful of us no matter how small and insignificant we may feel.
I loved this post. Thank you.
Emme
March 31st, 2009 @ 1:16 am

I’m a biologist. Well, that’s what I call myself (I still have a year left until I officially get my degree), but I’ve been able to study not only large systems (such as the universe and its corresponding entities) but also the smallest units of life (like single-celled organisms).

Many times in my studies I’ve been driven to states of awe and amazement at the smallest details of life! I remember in my first biology class we were discussing types of butterflies, and a fellow student turned to me and told me that “God must really love us, because He took the time to paint each type of butterfly a different color, and with a different pattern’–that really touched me! God really didn’t have to create hundreds of species of butterflies (and other creatures/plants etc), but He did! Glory be to the God of greatness and simplicity!
alanna
March 31st, 2009 @ 5:39 am

Yes. Heavenly Father is in the details of our lives.

Quick example: We are selling our home too. The way the whole deal has come about is amazing. Our buyer has some special circumstances that have ended up solving problems for us that we could have NEVER even foreseen. Last night my husband and I were in awe talking about how real Heavenly Father’s guidance is.

Sometimes it’s hard for me to wrap my mind around how He could know me personally with all the billions of people on the planet. But so many small experiences like this continue to affirm my testimony that He does.

It’s nice to read the comments and see how He does this for others as well.

Um, I love Segullah. A lot.
Sage
March 31st, 2009 @ 6:52 am

I hope we can all project the love of being a SAHM that you do here. I think so much about how important my job is, but how denigrated it is in the world. Being able to make our homes a place of love and safety and learning and…so much more, makes all the work our husbands do worth something.

Thanks for being strong!
Leslie
March 31st, 2009 @ 7:21 am

I love this- I do think i must miss a ton- if I noticed more I’d probably have greater gratitude.
Leslie
March 31st, 2009 @ 7:23 am

I love you phrase- God blesses the ordinary day! Amen
Melissa
March 31st, 2009 @ 7:37 am

This reminds me that even when things do not go according to plan (there is illness, job loss, the house doesn’t sell, etc.) that it is through the details of our life that we still feel God’s awareness of us. Someone calls when we need reassurance, we see that beautiful butterfly and the Spirit whispers to us, we read a blog post that touches our heart . Often it is the details that support us even when the larger aspects of life are difficult.
Giggles
March 31st, 2009 @ 12:04 pm

The Church Museum’s art competition opened last week. The theme for this one was “Remembering the Great Things of God.” As I was blogging about it, the images that I thought would fit it perfectly were a butterfly and some hummingbirds. For me, the small things, the tiny happinesses, the unexpected smiles, those are some of the greatest things of God in my life.
angie f
March 31st, 2009 @ 12:59 pm

DH has been a bishop for about 6 months now and the subsequent roller coaster ride hasn’t stopped. The day he was sustained, a woman in our ward who has 5 children like me and whose husband has been a bishop before quietly told me as she hugged me in my blubbering, “you will be blessed, you can’t imagine how, but the blessings will come” Sometimes they are the big things like the fact that DH still has a thriving job when so many in his industry are getting pink slips, but mostly it’s the little things like a kind soul volunteering to take my anxious Sunbeam to class every Sunday or just the profound blessing to find a pew available on a day when we’re late (kind of a big ward). I have felt so very noticed of the Lord; that all my tiny troubles matter to my Father because He loves me.

I have loved all the comments here as we each testify to the wonder, power and love with which the Lord blesses us in His attention to details. Thank you.
Jenny
April 1st, 2009 @ 7:04 am

Shelah,
God leads us to places because he wants us to be a part of the influence in the lives of the people who are already there, or who will come after you. It’s nice to be in tune with the spirit, because the temporal blessings come just as abundantly as the spiritual ones when we’re striving to live in accordance to God’s will.
So YAY for a perfect house!
Jenny
April 1st, 2009 @ 7:07 am

Leslie,
I’m so grateful to have been touched by your ‘smallness.’ Your influence is GREAT!
Loved this post.
Sage
April 1st, 2009 @ 7:16 am

Thanks for this post and for sharing your vision that you put into your beautiful painting.

I was reminded of one reason I love Orson Scott Card’s Alvin Maker series, where he has women who weave the tapestry of people’s lives sitting in a magical backroom.

I have felt that same sense of connectedness and change that comes into my life through each person I meet. And indeed through the way the Lord moves in my life.

In some ways this is a big detail, that came from a small one: I recently (about six months ago) prayed very fervently in the temple to be a better mother to my children. The Lord’s answer: I am six months pregnant with number five (I’ll be 42 just before the baby comes). This wasn’t the answer I thought I’d get, but I know it is the answer, so I’m trying to roll with it!

Thanks for listening. I love Segullah too!
Leslie
April 3rd, 2009 @ 9:46 am

wow what an answer!