Have you ever given thought to the importance of little things? Last week I came across a very old book entitled “The New Century Speaker and Writer”. I think it was printed in 1901. It was filled with poetry on almost every subject you could think of as well as how to write with examples of punctuation using all the various ways to use punctuation and also how to speak and give orations. There were all kinds of examples of elegant compositions, dialogues, plays and topics for debate. It even included speeches of famous men from Cicero to George Washington’s inaugural address. There was also a section on Etiquette for all Occasions. You name the event and the proper way to handle it was there. But one section I found quite interesting and that was “What Little Things Will Do”.
Here are several examples. It only takes a small crumb to feed a little bird, a thought can prevent an angry word, a shower starts with a drop of rain and a tiny seed can bring forth a beautiful flower.
A little cloud can hide the sun, a smile some cheerless spirit warm.
A kind act often can heal an old grudge. A long journey starts with one step, a cry of “fire” breaks up a gathering and a beacon light saves many lives. A little child can confound the wise. A mother’s prayer has heaven moved. Thus it is important that we realize the value of small things.
In our daily lives it is usually the little things that help make our day and someone else’s day special. Little acts of kindness can do wonders. The friendly smile, the “good morning” or can I help you with those groceries, for example. Thank yous are important and I don’t mean via text or email. A simple phone call means so much to so many, especially the older one is. I am sometimes saddened by the expectation of so many in today’s world who are quick to ask for something but if and when they get it, they forget to give that simple thank you or even send a hand written note. They seem to have time to ask but not time for that simple word or two of gratitude. We can all practice doing the little things that make life so much more enjoyable.
Now I want to close with a little story I thought you might enjoy, that I read in the book, although it doesn’t have to do with the topic of this column. “Why Cats Wash After Eating”. You may have noticed that cats don’t wash their faces before they eat as children do. Well, years ago, a famous cat was getting hungry and by chance caught a fine young mouse. The mouse squealed, then stopped and said to the cat, “All genteel folks wash their faces before they think of eating!” And since she was well-bred, the Puss heeded the entreating. But when she raised her paw to wash, the sly young mouse said good-bye and ran away. A feline council met that day in solemn meeting and passed a law forbidding any cat to wash till after eating. EVA J. Beede in primary education It was an interesting book, to say the least.
