I remember my walks to and from town during my childhood on the Eastern Shore. Even now, when I close my eyes, I can feel the sun kiss my cheek and see the wide, beautiful blue sky overhead. One of the most vivid memories I have is of a neighbor-a sweet woman who, along with her husband, made it a point to step out of her door and greet me every time I walked by. Looking back, it was as if they were waiting just for me to pass. At the time, it may have seemed insignificant. Just a greeting. Just a smile. Just a neighborly hello. But one day, it became clear to me that it was much more.

 

            As I walked home from town one afternoon, I noticed a man following me from a distance. I picked up the pace, and so did he. Fear wrapped around my chest like a vice. My heart pounded as I remembered my neighbor. And like clockwork-there she was. She stepped out to greet me, and I ran straight to her door. Safe. Covered. Watched. The man passed by and kept walking. That day, God used my neighbor’s small, faithful gesture to become a literal place of refuge. What seemed like routine turned out to be divine protection. Jesus spoke about this very principle: “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10).

           

            We often overlook “little” things- checking on someone, opening the door, speaking a kind word, keeping a quiet routine of service. But God sees them. And not only does He see, but He also uses them. He multiplies the impact of small seeds of faithfulness. That neighbor did not know her routine greeting would one day offer protection. But she showed up. And because she did, God used her faithfulness to change the outcome of my day- and maybe even my life.

 

            Beloved, God notices what we often overlook. Jesus noticed the widow who gave two small coins (Mark 12:43). He also noticed the boy with five loaves and two fish (John 6:9)- a small lunch in His hands became a miracle meal for thousands. God takes notice of what we often ignore, and He blesses the small and magnifies the humble. Be reminded today that you may be someone’s safe place. You may never know who sees your light. That smile, that routine text, that consistent wave from your porch- it matters. It may not seem like you are doing much, but faithfulness is not about fame- it is about fruit. God is the master of turning ordinary moments into extraordinary outcomes. Your presence might be someone’s protection. Your consistency might be someone’s confirmation that they are not alone.

 

            Never underestimate what God can do through a willing, faithful heart. The gestures that seem small to you might be the lifeline for someone else. God is in the details. He uses the faithful, the available, and the consistent to do his deep, divine work. Therefore, keep showing up. Keep smiling. Keep being a safe place. And beloved, no matter what comes your way, do not grow weary of doing good, for in due season you will reap, if you do not give up (Galatians 6:9).