There is an old Gospel song called Little is Much When God is in It. I view this song not just those for of faith but for everyone who believes there is something bigger than them. I normally hear this song discussed from those whose work is recognized broadly to those of us whose work is not. It can be frustrating when you’re working hard on anything, and no one or few people know about it. You begin to wonder what’s the point. And then I remember the song and the third verse:
“Does the place you’re called to labor Seem so small and little known? It is great if God is in it, And He’ll not forget His own.”
I remember that God is more interested in what we’re doing and why we’re doing it than who knows about it. I just finished the Stephen King novel 11.22.63. It is about time travel and what you would do if you had an opportunity to change the past, specifically the assassination of President John Kennedy. The main character of the book decides to go back in time to attempt to stop the assassination. He is a school teacher and continues to teach while living in the past and waiting for the opportunity to stop the shooting.
You would think stopping the assassination of the President would be one of the greatest things a person could do. But this man’s gift was teaching. His best moments come when he is teaching and working with students of all ages. One of his ruses to explain why he’s there is that he’s writing a book. After seeing how he is with students, a fellow educator asks why he writes when his gift is helping others. She tells him talent is abundant but nurturers of talent are rare.
Nurturers of talent don’t get the spotlight. The students remember them, but that’s it. But that’s enough. You’re doing it to help others or to do something other than for yourself.
I wonder why life doesn’t work out like I want, why it is so hard sometimes and why I continue on. Then I remember the last verse of the song:
“When the conflict here is ended And our race on earth is run He will say if we are faithful Welcome home my child, well done.”
Once again, its not about my will, but God’s will. Its not about bringing attention to me, but helping others, however small it may appear, knowing its not small.