Reflection
“Do small things with great love.” This phrase seemed contradictory to me when I first read it. How can I do small things with great love? If the “doing” is small, how can the effect be great in love? Well, as a daughter, sister, girlfriend, student, and midshipman, I began to reflect on how this phrase actually applies to everyday life! Especially as others perceive love.
As a daughter that attends school about a thousand miles away from home, I know that my parents must miss me. Even though calling home may seem like a small thing, the effect is great because it means a lot to my parents. And after calling home, we all feel loved and more connected!
As a sister with three siblings, the same concept applies. For example, letting my sister borrow my clothes from time to time might seem trivial or unimportant. But to her, I know this action is received as a display of love and friendship.
As a girlfriend, picking up some extra Chic-Fil-A in between classes so we can both share a quick lunch together might not be the most extravagant of gestures, but taking the time to think of him is a way I can show my love through the little things.
As a student, sending a “thank you” email to my professors at the end of the semester really only takes a few minutes to do, but the action is intended to give off a large amount of love. And as a midshipman, letting the underclassmen eat first is a small sacrifice that hopefully shows care about their wellbeing and development.
So, “Do small things with great love” really can apply to everyday life, in every role someone might possess! Even the smallest action can impact someone’s life and influence them in a loving way.
My Favorite Saint:
My patron saint, St. Joan of Arc, has been my favorite saint ever since I was a little girl. I’ve known that I wanted to become an Officer in the military for a long time, and St. Joan of Arc has been with me every step of the way. During my trainings, field exercises, academic instruction, and even during my workouts, praying through the intercession of St. Joan has given me the strength I need to accomplish my goals. I know that she will be with me as I attend U.S. Marine Corps Officer Candidates School this summer in Quantico, Virginia to earn the title of Marine! St. Joan of Arc embodies so many characteristics I admire, like being unafraid, courageous, and steadfast in her faith. If anyone is looking for a saint for inspiration or motivation, St. Joan of Arc is your woman!
My favorite Prayer:
One of my favorite prayers has helped me through some uncertain times, bringing peace and comfort even when I felt like I could not see God’s plan for me: the St. Thomas Merton prayer. It reads:
“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore, I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.”
St. Thomas Merton prayer
This prayer is 100% my favorite prayer because it provides a reality check that God understands our needs and is always with us, even if we might not even know what we need or where life will take us. I encourage anyone who is struggling to decide something, or even anyone who just needs some affirmation, to reflect on this prayer and see how it can apply to your own life. 🙂 Thank you to my sister-in-law Michelle for giving me the opportunity to share a little bit of my story!
