My Little Bit of Good
Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5 (NIV)
Every now and then we find ourselves in a gray funk! Sometimes we arrive there from being sick, tired, lonely, or just because. We tend to question our purpose. Missy Tippens, a contributing writer for All God’s Creatures, explains this very well for us.
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We have a small pond with a waterfall in our backyard. When we bought the house, the previous owners, who had built the water feature, left behind a small frog statue. The cute creature is reclining, and a little stream of water shoots out of its mouth.
We also have a resident toad that likes to hang out near the pond, sunning itself on the stacked rocks that surround the water. Recently, we looked out the kitchen window and noticed our toad friend sitting right next to the frog sculpture, which made us laugh at the contrast.
The staid brown toad looked rather dull compared to the festive green sculpture. Yet despite its regular, everyday looks, our resident toad is actually contributing to our outdoor environment by eating insects and other pests. It might not be spritzing water, but it is God’s beautiful creation with a purpose, part of which includes what the good toads do by providing natural pest control around our home and garden.
Some days I feel boring compared to others around me. I feel like I’m not standing out, not accomplishing much. I even envy those who seem to have idyllic or picture-perfect lives. But God has a plan for my life, and I shouldn’t compare it to anyone else’s. God has gifted me with talents to use to further His kingdom. Like that brown, bumpy toad, I have a purpose. And God will use my efforts as ordinary as they may seem to touch the lives of others.
Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world. —Desmond Tutu
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There are moments when I get into this mindset that I am just one person; how can I possibly make a difference. But if we each keep contributing good, perhaps all together we can change things for the better.
Father, thank You for Your example of Good. Teach us to always be willing to just do the next good thing. AMEN.