Day 20: The Small Things
BY MILES TIEMEYER | March 21, 2022
Today’s Readings
In a world where a pandemic can change our lives in an instant, it is inevitable that things will be delayed or canceled. Because of this, I struggle to be vulnerable and open myself up to new experiences. Every cautious step taken comes with the fear of rejection and hurt. We have been living in a pandemic for two years, and I see it everyday as my students navigate through evolving covid policies on top of changing and canceled events. It is easy to get frustrated and feel rejected.
Rejection will always be a risk in life, but God invites us to be vulnerable. Naaman, rejected by the King and frustrated by Elisha’s response, expects a dramatic act of God to be required to heal his leprosy. Bathing in the Jordan seemed too easy a solution to solve his frustrations. We can see what God asks of us through Elisha, the small intentional change.
The burnout created by adjusting constantly for the last two years makes me feel like the only answer is to constantly rework everything; to do the dramatic act. But what if our solution is as simple as Naaman’s? I need to slow down. Enjoy simple conversations. Forgive myself for any anger I am holding on to. I am angry at myself, the world, and God for our reality and its’ injustices. What am I supposed to do with that anger and frustration? It is easy to shut down and turn away from my friends, from work, or from God. It is scary to risk putting myself out there, but the risk is worth it. God calls us to take risks and push ourselves to address our frustrations with loss and injustice. Our frustrations can be the motivation we need to make the small change, have the hard conversation, or show God’s love to our neighbors.
For Reflection:
- Where are you doing the big dramatic act, when you could be doing a small thing?
- How can doing a small thing in your life better bring God’s love into the world?
Miles Tiemeyer is a graduate of Xavier University (2020), where he studied in the Philosophy, Politics, and the Public program along with majors in political science and history. During undergrad, he was involved in social justice and political advocacy through his work in the Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice. After graduating from Xavier, he served a year with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Houston, Texas at Cristo Rey Jesuit College Preparatory School of Houston. Currently, Miles is resident minister and graduate assistant for John Carroll University Campus Ministry while studying for his masters in theology and religious studies.
Those who notice the small acts in life are gifts to those of us who miss them. The realization that the person next to us straightened our coat to make it more comfortable; the person at work who brings us coffee; the person in the grocery store who signals you to go ahead because you have only a few items- are all small acts of social justice that warrant our love and attention. People who do these small acts have a way of bringing Christ to others. it is a way of reminding us that God is with us. It is a way of bringing a sense of goodness to our society. It is a longing to bring equity and justice to our most small moments. May we today remember and cherish those moments as we strive to participate wholly with others.
The plandemic has brought our Creator even closer to me. And I marvel each day at the miracles of God in creation each day, which shows God continues to care for us. No matter what chemicals are thrown at us, the Creator creates a new creation to protect us and keep us healthy. Those of us who don’t believe the media lies, who still pray to God/Allah daily, continue to be healthy and happy. We trust God to protect us from harm and continue to reach out to others. I have never been happier at work as everyone is so appreciative of each other. Perhaps if our government removed the mandates from social workers and medical personnel, those who end up in hospital would have a better chance of survival. Why should only our police and military be exempt from compulsory vaccination?
It is most often the small things–or things we consider small–that are the most helpful. Things like saying good morning or holding a door for someone carrying a load can change an attitude or bring a smile or a feeling of gratitude, a positive response. The present moment is the “holy ground” in which we can do these things.
The military was not exempted from the mandates.
In New Zealand the military and the police were the last to be mandated and overturned their mandates straight away in court. It will be the months before other professions go through the courts.
Our leprosy survivors say, leprosy is curable and treatment is freely available. But an effort in faith on the part of the leprosy combatant is all that is asked for. Hesitation and doubt can delay the restoration of good health. Even in the Naaman times, a dive in the river Jordan was the prescription. Doubts and delays bring about irritation and confusion. Naaman remains a point of reference for consideration.