Little drops of water

Little grains of sand

Make the mighty ocean

And the pleasant land.

Julia Carney

By Rev. John F. Hazel JR.

Retired Pastor

I came across a C.S. Lewis Quote some time ago, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.”

While they talk about supply chain issues, (and some corporate profits still go through the roof) there seems to be no shortage of ego these days.

My wife and I record the late night talk shows, and what a blessing it is to fast forward through the political commercials.

Sometimes I think Charles Darwin had it backward.

In the 14th Chapter of Luke, Jesus talks about humility in the context of not taking the high chair at banquet so you aren’t embarrassed.

Humility leads to exaltation. Egomania leads to humiliation.

I’m always enamored by how little things can trump the big.

A backward child becomes Albert Einstein. A diabetic therapy dog can sniff a teaspoon of sugar in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. A microbe can decimate a population.

I have been enjoying studying science in my retirement, and learned recently the life cycle of our sun. It is middle aged. In about 5 billion years it is estimated that, expending its nuclear energy, it will grow to become a red giant, enveloping its four inner worlds. It will then shrink into something called a white dwarf, which is very dense. It is estimated that one teaspoon of white dwarf matter will weigh over a ton.

Almost automatically I thought of a communion wafer. It would easily fit on a teaspoon but carries Jesus’ message, “I’m here with in your midst.”

Words from a scripture or favorite hymn can be a blessing greater than all the gold in Fort Knox. You calling a friend or neighbor you haven’t talked to in a while can be blessing of untold dimensions. A smile may ease the day of a harried mother in a supermarket.

Some time Google St. John Mary Vianney. He was not the greatest student. He’s in good company. I personally like to tell folk that instead of graduating seminary cum laude, I graduated “Lawdy how come?” He flunked out of seminary and with private tutoring was finally ordained a priest. He turned a desert of parish into a garden. He was so beloved he was canonized as the patron saint of parish pastors. (Think St. Francis and animals or St. Nicholas and children) Think of it. Talk about zero to hero.

Consider this week how God can use you. An ounce of heart is worth a ton of bluster. Make a list of things you like to do, how ever small and give them to the Lord. Like a communion wafer, a simple patch of flour, God will make you flower for God’s purposes. Like a blessed wafer, may you do great things.

Some time ago I wrote a “Drip Prayer.”

It was in response to a beautiful prayer inspired by the reformer Martin Luther. His prayer traces how water is used by God in the scriptures, and is said at baptisms. It is called his “flood” prayer. Standing as drop to water compared to the flood called Luther, I offer it to you.

At times I feel like a drop of water in the ocean. Then I realize that the ocean is made up of drops. Remind me of that, when the world calls me a “drip.” Lead me to where I’ll be useful. Even though I may feel as a “drip,” may I assuage a thirst. May I be part of the recipe for food to feed the famished. May I help wash a needy child. May I be steam heat in a homeless shelter. May I be part of the baptismal waters, bringing new life to a soul deadened by sin. Use me as you see fit. Make me be a part of the sea your feet walk upon. Amen.