path this year felt quite …
bumpy … small steps can make a
world of difference
Of course, at the heart of the Christmas story lies the birth of a child: a seemingly small and insignificant step overlooked by many in Bethlehem. But in time, through his teaching and by his example, Jesus Christ would show the world how small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and understanding. Many of us already try to follow in his footsteps. The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.
As Christmas dawned, church congregations around the world joined in singing It Came Upon the Midnight Clear. Like many timeless carols, it speaks not just of the coming of Jesus Christ into a divided world, many years ago, but also of the relevance, even today, of the angels’ message of peace and goodwill.
It’s a timely reminder of what positive things can be achieved when people set aside past differences and come together in the spirit of friendship and reconciliation. And, as we all look forward to the start of a new decade, it’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.
From the Queen’s Christmas Speech, December 25, 2019.
It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.
I like that.
I am reminded of Arlo Guthrie and the way he talked his way though his shows.
I remember a gentle reminisce of Mr. Guthrie’s as he sat has the keyboard at a concert from 1993 (Live at Wolftrap, August 8, 1993.) and he said this:
If the world was perfect and everybody had money, everybody drove BMWs or something, nobody was homeless, nobody ever got sick, everything was wonderful, everybody was smart and everyone was happy all the time you would have to go an awful long way out of your way to make a difference in this world.
You would have to do a whole hell of a lot to try and improve the way it was …
BUT IN WORLD THAT SUCKS …
Like this one …
You don’t have to do very much at all. There was never a time in the history of the world where you go do so little and get so much done.
That’s right.
You can do more with a little smile, just hold somebody, say hello to somebody or just feel good by yourself even when you don’t feel like feeling good.
As the Queen put it, “The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.“
No Haiku For You 