“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they
were the big things.” – Robert Brault
***
In today’s society, the prevailing notion is that bigger is invariably superior. With a constant barrage of commercials and advertisements praising the merits of large items, it is understandable why many would believe that bigger is always better.
Furthermore, who among us would not desire a substantial bank account, an expansive home, or a generous salary? However, the pertinent question remains: Is larger truly better?
Upon further reflection, it was a mere small stone that brought down Goliath. It was just a single vote that spared American President Andrew Jackson from impeachment in 1868. Only three simple words – “I love you” – can initiate a lifelong commitment. Moreover, it only requires a spark to ignite a fire.
“What we call little things are merely the causes of great things; they are the beginning, the embryo, and it is the point of departure which, generally speaking, decides the whole future of an existence. One single black speck may be the beginning of a gangrene, of a storm, of a revolution,” commented Henri Frederic Amiel.
When you delve into the details, it is often the small elements that contribute significantly to the overall picture. It is simple to concentrate on acquiring the major possessions, such as driving an elegant, new vehicle or residing in a luxurious home. We can all readily imagine ourselves enjoying a prosperous life. However, achieving that lifestyle typically requires more than merely visualizing the grand scheme.
As John Wooden puts it, “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” In the Old Testament, a verse reads, “A day of little things, no doubt, but who would dare despise it?”
Well, never despise those little things.
Laurie Beth Jones, author of The Power of Positive Prophecy, related her own story about a former boss who didn’t want her to spend so much time with clients. “Go after the big clients,” she was told. “Leave the peanuts to the others.”
But still she did what she wanted to do. “”When the numbers were totaled,” she wrote, “my combination of small sales outtotaled his few ‘big ones.’” She resigned from her job and started her own company. “Dinosaurs became extinct – yet rabbits still abound,” she observed.
At the age of 21, Jacques Lafitte, the son of a destitute carpenter from a small town, embarked on a journey to find his fortune and future career in Paris. Lacking connections with influential individuals and a distinguished academic background, he was nonetheless youthful and brimming with optimism.
True to his diligent nature, he began his job search. Days turned into weeks, yet he remained without employment or income. Nevertheless, he persevered. This resolute young man went unnoticed by the people of Paris.
One morning, he submitted an application at the office of a renowned Swiss banker, Monsieur Perregaux. The banker posed a few questions regarding his background. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly shook his head, indicating that there were no job openings at that time.
Dejected and feeling more disheartened than ever, Jacques exited the bank and ambled across the courtyard. As he walked, he paused to pick something up from the ground. He then proceeded into the bustling street, contemplating whether it might be time to return home.
At that moment, a man approached him and tapped him on the shoulder. “Pardon me, sir,” he said, “I am an employee at the bank. Monsieur Perregaux would like to see you again.”
For the second time that morning, Jacques encountered the renowned banker. “Excuse me,” the banker remarked, “but I noticed you while you were crossing the bank’s courtyard. You paused to pick something up. Would you be willing to share what it was?”
“Just this,” the young man responded, with a sense of wonder, as he retrieved a shiny new straight pin from the underside of his coat’s lapel. “Ah,” the banker exclaimed. “That changes everything. We always welcome individuals who pay attention to the small details. You may begin immediately.”
This was the moment when Jacques Lafitte embarked on his extensive and remarkably successful partnership with the bank, eventually taking full control of what became known as “Perregaux, Lafitte, and Company.”
Sweat that small stuff! Carlo Danao wrote this short poem as a reminder: “Little drops of water, little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land. Thus, the little minutes, humble though they be, make the mighty ages of eternity.”
Inspiration speaker Dale Carnegie once said, “Don’t be afraid to give your best to what seemingly are small jobs. Every time you conquer one it makes you that much stronger. If you do the little jobs well, the big ones tend to take care of themselves.” Well said.
From Mr. Carnegie’s remarks, we can infer that consistent daily efforts, no matter how small, can result in significant outcomes. Undoubtedly, making small contributions regularly is far more effective than remaining inactive. Moreover, tackling minor tasks is considerably simpler than attempting to conquer a large challenge in one go.
“Life is made up of small pleasures,” said Norman Lear. “Happiness is made up of those tiny successes. The big ones come too infrequently. And if you don’t collect all these tiny successes, the big ones don’t really mean anything.”
