“Let’s talk about what me and monkey are going to be when we get big”, Arianna, my eight year old granddaughter, stated as we were riding in the car.

“OK”, I responded. “What would you like to do?”

“I’d like to work for God.”

My mind raced. What did that mean exactly, missionary…speaker…run an orphanage?

“You know,” she continued, “like helping an old lady across the street.”

I wanted to laugh out loud, but knew this was serious. Somehow I felt God’s very real eyes on me as if to say, “be careful how you respond to this little one who seems to have a better handle on serving Me than you do.”

Life is busy. I’m always looking for the next project, the pursuits that will bring fulfillment and if I’m honest, a little pat on the back from someone…anyone.

I thought about the little things I had left undone. Like visiting an old friend of my mom’s who is in the nursing home. Sending the sympathy card. Bringing a meal to someone with the flu. Saying hello to someone I don’t know. Asking the clerk how her day is going. And, yes, helping the occasional little old lady across the street who looks confused and lost.

Working for God is not the big projects, but all those little kindnesses. Just like God fills my day with little kindnesses from his hand, he wants me to do the same. To be like him. Those little things are what make a real difference.

In my own life I think of the short notes that came at just the right time, people taking the time to listen and cry with me, The quick nod and smile from the complete stranger. The unexpected meals when I hadn’t told anyone about our need. People who told me they were praying and I could tell they meant it. People who loved me even when I wasn’t easy to be around. People who spoke honestly to me when I was off course…

The conversation continued as we touched on different paths and opportunities.

“…and Monkey will be a preacher.” She concluded. All was now right with the world.