When little things and big things are one and the same

A blurb in the local newspaper caught my eye this morning. And then it made me stop and think.

From the experience of one of our own:

A blurb in the local newspaper caught my eye this morning. And then it made me stop and think.

(Fridays are good days for gaining perspective. You’re worn down by the busyness of the past four days, but you’re pumped for the weekend to finally come; in-between lies the perfect time to stop and reflect on ideas you don’t make time for in the other six days of the week.)

The article was about a local grocery store that donated hundreds of teddy bears to the city’s fire department, so that the firefighters could have soft, cuddly comforts on hand to give to children during traumatic situations. A small act on the part of both the grocery store and the firefighters. But an invaluable one to the child.

We’ve all heard a saying like, “It’s the little things in life that matter most.” The truth of that last word is arguable. But what isn’t is that the little things really can matter. More than we could ever imagine.

I’m not talking about the nice-to-haves or the value-adds, the easy freebies or the cherries on top—all the stuff that we tend to think gives us a slight edge. I’m talking about the small, unexpected gestures that appeal directly to a powerful emotional need. I’m talking about the things that penetrate the cold, hard needs of convenience, affordability, efficiency, etc. and reach the warmer, juicier emotional territory that lies beneath.

Because the little things that really matter are the ones that hit you in the heart.

Those are the ones that make you feel like you’re being seen as a human being.

That you’re being put first.

Because it’s a small act that doesn’t have to be done. But it is anyway. Because someone knows you would find it invaluable. Someone knows you need it.

It feels easier to know what the heart needs in situations that are clearly laden with emotion, like providing for a traumatized child. It takes more work to uncover what the hearts of your customers might need in a seemingly innocuous business transaction. But it’s worth it in order to learn how to make the little things matter. And maybe even matter the most.

Think on that for a little while. Take your Friday moment.