One Link at a Time

One morning, as I was getting ready, I went to my jewelry drawer and pulled out my silver cross necklace. Unfortunately, the previous night I had taken it off in the dark, and rather than placing it gently in it's place, I just tossed it into the drawer. So as I stood there with it in my hand, a tangled mess of fine, silver chain, I grumbled...the thought of untangling it was overwhelming. I didn't have the time or patience to gently handle each link of the chain, tracing it's path around, over, and under the cross and itself.

Sigh, but I wanted to wear it. So, bit-by-bit, I carefully untangled the chain. It was slow, patient work. I had to focus on each link. Yet as each tangle freed, I felt a bit of relief, joy and pleasure in growing closer to the end. When the last few links of chain unwound and the necklace was clasped around my neck, I was pleased that I had stuck with it and was given these thoughts...

How often do we feel overwhelmed and burdened? Are there things or people that you need to invest in that seem to need more time and patience than you want to give? Does the burden to "go and make disciples of all nations" seem overwhelming and great?

Most things in life, when looked at in whole, are overwhelming. But just like untangling the necklace, we need to take that overwhelming task and deal with it bit-by-bit, one small step at a time.

Investing in someone may seem like an unlikely thing for you when looked at as a big picture. By breaking it down into one conversation, one friendly cup of coffee, one meal at a time, you'll soon find the goal is right around the corner.

Many small acts add up...what are you tackling?