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My darling, you are beautiful!Oh, you are beautiful,
and your eyes are like doves.
S of S. 1:15 (NCV)
Bruce Barton said, “Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think there are no little things.”
Little things can make a huge difference. Dr. John Pemberton experienced the truth of this concept at Joe Jacobs’ Drug Store in Atlanta, Georgia. The year was 1886, and Dr. Pemberton was excited about a new drink he was planning to produce and market. He took his formula, made primarily ofextracts from coca plants and cola nuts, to Willis Venable, who had leased space in the drug store to run a soda fountain.
Pemberton asked Venable to mix one ounce of his syrup with five ounces of water and tell him what he thought. Venable did, kind of liked it, and suggested they make another. The second time, however, Venable accidentally put soda water in it. Coca Cola was born and the world would never be the same.
Soda water instead of tap water. Just a little thing that made a huge difference. Just so, little things can make a big difference in our relationships. Saying “I love you” to your kids. Holding hands with your spouse. Dropping a note to a friend. Commending your pastor on his sermon. Flowers. Candy. A movie. A reassuring smile. Saying things like, “I am proud of you,” or, “You can do it,” or, “Don’t give up.” An afternoon drive through the country. A trip to the ice cream parlor. A stop at your neighborhood Hallmark store.
Little things, all of them. But a life without them is as flat as Coca-Cola made with tap water. A thoughtful, timely deed or word, however small, is to a relationship as soda water is to a soft drink. It adds fizz.
A Prayer For Today: Father, help me to find small ways to express my love. Please keep me from the trap of taking the people in my life for granted. Help me to love them as vibrantly as You have loved me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
