(A “Notes to Self” Series)

Quote for Sunday, 24 February 2019

“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”

― Mother Teresa

This isn’t the first quote from Mother Teresa that I’ve grown fond of. However, it doesn’t mean that it has less significance. A lot of factors draws me closer to her words.

Be

This means things are not just said; they are manifested. It is a call to action to become what one is capable of becoming.

Most of us would already know Mother Teresa’s story. A Nobel Prize winner, a name synonymous to charity, and a modern day saint, it’s impossible not to.

She is a Catholic nun who didn’t mind the differences in faith or religion but, instead, set those aside to help others who are in need. She didn’t have resources of her own, to begin with, and yet she believed and worked for the good of others despite the initial limitations.

She didn’t just say things. She became what she uttered. She made things happen and seen.

Faithful

What does it take to be faithful? A quick Google search showed me the following results:

By definition, being faithful is to “remain loyal and steadfast.” But, how do we do that? It is by being consistently sticking to what should be. Of course, I’m not referring to any political party because, as I have said so many times, I prefer to remain apolitical and non-artisan. This is more about being constantly sticking to one’s ideals, working for what’s right, unwavering in our commitment or being staunch in our resolve.

Another meaning of the word is being “true to the facts or the original.” If our online dictionary shows that it pertains to a certain book as an example, I might as well say that Mother Teresa’s words are also pertaining to most popular book of all time, the Holy Bible. Such may not be in purely dogmatic terms, though, because there were those who even criticised her for not sticking to traditional concepts. I think she stuck to the essence of what it really takes to do what’s pleasing to God’s eyes and that is by showing His loving presence to those who need Him most – the poor.

We may not be able to do exactly what she has done. Perhaps it could just be doing our own part in a collective whole, being loyal to our spouse, doing our jobs to the best of our abilities or perhaps by merely finishing our share of the household chores. There certainly are opportunities out there for us to make a difference in our own unique ways.

In small things

I’ve got a confession to make. I fancy movies with superheroes and superheroines. If I were to choose a book for my past-time read, fantasy and sci-fi books with world-building or world-changing themes would definitely top my list.

I won’t also deny that, as a young child, I’d often imagine or pretend that I’ve got some superpowers of some sort. It wasn’t quite unusual for me to have those literal and figurative dreams of flying and having telekinetic powers.

Don’t get me wrong, though. I don’t worship those fictional characters. I just fancy the thought that they signify – the possibility of going beyond oneself, the ability to do things that others may think or say one could not, helping people, saving lives, and changing the world.

I don’t think that thinking of such fictional worlds and stuffs is utterly wrong, although some conservatives may definitely say it really is. I won’t blame them. However, if such dreams enable one to work and strive hard in real life without stepping on someone else’s foot, what could be too wrong about that? If one gets a momentary breather from all the bad news that clogs up one’s feeds and generate more “happy thoughts and hormones” to last one through the day to make (and not destroy) others’ day, then why not?

The more important thing about this whole discourse is Mother Teresa’s emphasis on “small things.” I am yet to find out the exact context of her words, but here are what I think her words could have signified, among others:

• We don’t need to do huge things that entail superpower to be able to do something good. Even a very minute act of kindness can make a difference.
• We don’t have to set our sights to wealthy and powerful people; they’ve already got resources at their disposal for themselves and their goals. We may need to pray for them though, especially for our leaders, so that they’d be able to do as they should for those placed under their care. Focusing on the little means looking after the marginalised, the downtrodden, the weak, the sick, the oppressed or the poor.
• For me, personally, this may mean focusing on the little ones in our family because they need our care and attention most. As what another famous Mother Teresa quotes says, “If you want to change the world, go home and start with your family.” This was what my husband and I had always had in mind, although my better half is currently doing way better than I do at making this happen. Thus, this is another quote of reminder notes for myself, too.

Because it is in them that your strength lies

Mother Teresa may not have intended her words to solely pertain to superhuman physical strength. It could always be a fact that one needs good thoughts and enough motivation to muster enough physical stamina to last one through the demands of her life’s charitable works. Being with the sick, the poor, and the down-trodden may have also been emotionally draining and a threat to health, too.

What I think was her emphasis, though, had been on the figurative significance of what “being strong” meant. I’m inclined to think that it’s also about finding the inspiration, motivation or reason to go on despite odds, challenges, weaknesses, threats, and other limitations.

While typing this, I’ve got this urge of doing another web search for what Mother Teresa really means by “strength.” I’d rather not succumb. For now, I’d allow my above interpretations to be. I’d leave the rest of the research up to you. I know that some may think that my decision is a bit odd, but I guess there are some sense and essence in my rationale. I’d be faithful and stick to my resolve. Thus, I’d do the little things that I eventually intended to do.

Before I go, I’d like to cite another favourite quote from our inspirer today. Yes. Let’s “do it anyway.”

May we all be blessed with the strength that we really need in our lives.

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(For more quotes about hope, check out Goodreads.)