The Little Things Matter

In the previous part of this series, Lunch After Church: A Time For Spiritual Conversations and Fun, I shared how special our Sunday lunches are for building relationships and encouraging spiritual growth. Those moments, though, are just one piece of a bigger picture. As I’ve journeyed through my role as an uncle, I’ve come to realize that the little things matter—the small, seemingly insignificant gestures are what create meaningful bonds and lasting memories.

This part of the series dives into how small acts of kindness, hospitality, and thoughtfulness can have a big impact on the lives of those we love, just as Christ demonstrated through His ministry.

A Lesson from Christ: Small Acts, Big Impact

Jesus often used small, meaningful gestures to show immense love and care. In John 13:12-15 (NLT), He washed His disciples’ feet—a simple yet profound act of humility. Through small acts, Jesus connected with people on a personal level, leaving an eternal impact.

As an uncle, I strive to emulate His example by focusing on the little things that can make a big difference in the lives of my niece and nephews.

A bald, chubby man in his 60s stands outside a black F150 truck, smiling warmly as he compliments his 12-year-old niece. The niece, with long brown hair, eyeglasses, and wearing a beautiful dress, smiles back while stepping into the truck on a sunny day. — Sunday mornings made brighter with a kind word and a warm smile 💛🚗

Compliments That Lift the Spirit

Every Sunday, my niece climbs into my truck, ready for church, wearing one of her beautiful dresses. She loves dressing up, and I always make it a point to tell her how nice she looks. Her eyes light up, and I can tell it makes her feel valued and appreciated.

Proverbs 16:24 (NLT) reminds us:

“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”

Small compliments can build confidence and show love in the simplest way.

A cozy indoor scene of a bald, chubby man in his 60s, sitting on a couch and animatedly sharing a sports score with his 9-year-old nephew, who is wearing a University of Texas Longhorns jersey. The nephew is visibly excited, smiling and clapping his hands. — Game updates that bring big smiles 🏈🤩 Celebrating the little moments of joy together!

Bonding Over Shared Interests

My youngest nephew is a huge fan of sports, especially my teams. When I see him, the first thing I do is give him an update on how my teams have been doing. It’s a small gesture, but it means the world to him. It’s our connection—a way for me to step into his world and share something he’s passionate about.

Jesus showed us the importance of meeting people where they are. Whether it was Zacchaeus in the tree (Luke 19:1-10) or the fishermen by the shore (Matthew 4:18-22), He engaged with others in ways that were meaningful to them.

A heartwarming church scene showing a bald, chubby man in his 60s walking alongside his 12-year-old nephew in a warmly lit church lobby. The uncle pats the nephew on the back proudly as the boy, with almost white hair, holds a stack of church bulletins and smiles brightly. — Encouraging the next generation of servant leaders 🙌✨ Small gestures, big impacts.

Celebrating Their Unique Gifts

My oldest nephew loves serving in church. He’s the one you’ll find handing out bulletins with a big smile, making everyone feel welcome. It’s not unusual for someone to tell me how friendly and polite he is. I make sure to pass that along to him, letting him know how much his service is appreciated.

Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) says:

“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Sharing affirmations is a small but powerful way to encourage and uplift others.

Three children sitting on the back porch of a suburban home enjoying ice cream bars. A 12-year-old girl with long brown hair and eyeglasses smiles while eating her treat, a 12-year-old boy with almost white hair chats animatedly, and a 9-year-old blonde-haired boy happily focuses on his ice cream. The porch features wooden steps and a grassy backyard with potted plants. — Sunny afternoons, sweet treats, and family time 🍦🌞

Hospitality That Feels Like Home

Whenever my niece and nephews come to my house, I make sure to have their favorite cookies, ice cream, and drinks ready. Hospitality might seem like a small thing, but it makes them feel welcome and loved.

Then there’s the mac and cheese. But not just any mac and cheese—I always have shells instead of elbows because my niece prefers them. Honestly, whatever she wants, she gets! These small touches make my home a place they love to visit, and it strengthens our bond.

Thoughtful Gifts, Lasting Memories

When it comes to birthdays and Christmas, I go the extra mile to find meaningful gifts. Whether it’s a telescope for my youngest nephew’s curiosity, a special dress for my niece, or a unique gift for my oldest nephew, each present is chosen with love and thoughtfulness.

These gifts aren’t just material items—they’re reminders of how much I care and how well I know them.

Why the Little Things Matter

It’s not about grand gestures—it’s about the little things. Compliments, shared interests, thoughtful gifts, and their favorite snacks—all these small acts show my niece and nephews that they’re loved and valued.

Jesus reminds us in Luke 16:10 (NLT):

“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.”

By focusing on the little things, we follow Christ’s example and make a big impact in the lives of those we love.

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Let’s make the little things matter, just as Christ did.