As we begin a new year we hear much of  resolutions and plans.   People talk of changes they will implement, new ventures they will launch, habits they wish to overcome.

In the midst of such, it's good to remember the basic call of  Jesus to small acts of faithfulness as the path to greatness." He taught it in many ways. In stories of yeast and salt and seeds - each tiny, but producing major growth. He taught it by his life - in a ministry of three years, calling only 12 disciples and selecting only three of these to whom he paid particular attention. He taught it in his praise for the widow with her gift of a penny and the cold cup of water, given in His name. And he taught it directly when he told those disciples, "If you are faithful in little, I will make you ruler of much."

In truth, it is the little things that change history and lives: Small gifts given faithfully. Habits of spirituality forged by daily repletion. Repeated acts of kindness that build a bridge of friendship and witness.

Perhaps we should re-arrange our resolutions.  Instead of thinking of the big changes, perhaps we should think of a couple little, but faithful changes we will make this year. What will it be for you? Giving a few extra dollars per week? Focusing on one person and providing random acts of kindness? Memorizing a single Bible verse each month or rising 10 minutes earlier each day to greet the Lord? Writing one card or making one phone call to encourage another on a regular basis? What little seed will you plant? What is your portion of yeast or pinch of salt that will, because of faithfulness, make all the difference?

The message is certainly counter cultural. Our culture applauds the flashy, the powerful and the large. "Mega" and "Ultra" are the prefixes most used to sell everything from food to soap to movie stars. And yet, let us never forget the lessons and the example of the King of Kings, whose life's symbols are the seeming insignificance of a manger and the austerity of a cross, but whose impact will reign for ever and ever. O come, let us adore Him!

I love you.