Bright Spot: Remember the little things so your outcome is correct
Ever since I watched the movie “Hidden Figures,” I’ve been impressed with how small things make a big difference. The movie features multiple female Black mathematicians who were the behind-the-scenes backbone and brains at NASA.
So critical were they that high profile astronaut John Glenn insisted one of the women check the calculations on the angle a returning spaceflight would hit earth’s atmosphere. Any variation, no matter how small, would cause the flight to “bounce” off the atmosphere and rocket helplessly and hopelessly into outer space.
I just learned a relative’s entire wheel came off while driving because the lug nuts weren’t adjusted using a torque gauge. For 50 years he’s changed and rotated tires on his vehicles with no problems. But the heat on this given day rendered his tightening by “feel” useless and dangerous. He needed an instrument that allowed for zero variance from the prescribed torque.
In a few days I’ll celebrate a decadal birthday. Whether it’s a milestone or millstone in my attitude toward advanced aging depends on more than one letter. My mood will be based on one little word – but.
“Though outwardly we are wasting away, BUT inwardly we are being renewed day by day…” IF we FOLLOW Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:16). I want to get stronger in spirit and character, becoming more like Jesus, as my body weakens. This small, often unnoticed, verse promises I can.
“For want of a nail, the horseshoe was lost. For want of a shoe the horse was lost. For want of a horse, the soldier was lost. For want of a soldier, the battle was lost. For want of a battle, the war was lost. For want of a war the country was lost and world history was changed forever!”
“Little foxes spoil the vine.” (Song of Solomon 2:15) “The devil is in the details.” Pay attention to the little things!
Rick Sams is pastor emeritus of Alliance Friends Church.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Bright Spot: Remember the little things so your outcome is correct
