Doing Little Things Matter from The Genesee Diary by Henri J. M. Nouwen
“Slyvester told me today that he had received a postcard from Bob, one of my students who had spent a few days at the Abbey. He was beaming with joy and gratitude. This makes me realize how small signs of friendliness can create much joy and small disturbances between people much sadness while the “great events” of the day often do not touch us deeply. An unexpected note from a friend or the passing remark from a neighbor can make or break my day emotionally, while inflation and recession, war and oppression do not touch my emotions directly. A distant catastrophe has less effect than a nearby mishap, and an interpersonal tiff raises more hackles than a worldwide calamity. The burning down of the monastery would be less “dangerous” than rivalry within its unharmed walls.
But how little do we use this knowledge? What is easier than writing a thank-you note, than sending a card “just to say hello,” or to give a call “just to see how things have been.” But how seldom do I do this. Still I realize that every time someone says, “I liked your talk” or “I appreciated your remark” or “Your note really helped” or “You really seem to feel at home here” – I feel my inner life being lifted up and the day seems brighter, the grass greener, and the snow whiter than before. Indeed, the great mystery is that small, often quite immaterial gesture can change my heart so much. The way to the heart always seems to be a quiet, gentle way.” Page 197-198