If we wish to "put on Christ", as St. Paul says, we start by loving Christ. According to St. Francis de Sales, we do this by doing something positive, by practicing a virtue, and by doing the best we can with the opportunity before us. De Sales suggests to start with what he calls "the little virtues."
He says: "The little, unattractive and hardly noticeable virtues which are required of us in our household, our place of work, among friends, with strangers, any time and all the time -- these are the virtues for us."
De Sales further writes, "The opportunities of acquiring good positions or large sums of money don't arise everyday. But it's possible to earn pennies daily. Those who care wisely for small gains become rich little by little."
THE LITTLE VIRTUES
A cheerful bearing with our own imperfections and limitations.
Patient endurance of the small acts of selfishness and injustice of others.
A gentle voice and a calm manner.
An agreeable manner of answering those who speak disagreeably to us.
A cheerful tolerance of the tiresome tempers of our neighbors.
A pleasant manner of accepting refusal.
Showing appreciation even if we dislike being indebted.(The Oblate Helpers Guild)
- Michael T. Moran
Amen, it does start with the little things. They show who we are,whether we are letting Christ live his life through us or are we responding in our own flesh .
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with NOBH! I appreciate the reminder to do the 'little thing' - those are often the hardest as I think we all prefer to imagine ourselves doing some great thing for Christ, rather than doing the regular everyday jobs, or dealing with the difficult people....yet that is what He calls most of us to do for Him.
ReplyDeleteStefanie
amen. this is so true.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing!
hugs,
peggy aplSEEDS
Wow, that sounds simple but it's very tough!
ReplyDeleteThese simple, little things take a lot of unselfishness and self-discipline. I can imagine myself using these as a checklist for examination of conscience.
ReplyDeleteEven the little things can be a challenge! So, it's best to start there so not to be overwhelmed with the big things!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the sermon at our church this morning. It was on kindness. Thank you for sharing these encouraging words.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Charlotte