“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much” (Luke 16:10).
Many years ago, on a whim, Mary and I set off to look for the source of the river Wye. As it bends its way past us in this corner of Herefordshire it is a broad and often fast moving river, cutting off one side of the county to another. Close the Holme Lacy bridge, and cars pour through the lanes looking for Hoarwithy.
Further downstream, the river is greater yet as it passes by Monmouth heading for the Severn Estuary. Follow it to its end and you will find a great bridge spanning it, somewhat overshadowed by its larger sibling, the Severn bridge. For one hundred and fifty-five miles, this river flows through Wales and England and for much of its course if forms the border between the two countries. The mighty Wye indeed.
Go in the opposite direction, as we did, and the river shrinks. It becomes a large stream which you can cross simply by putting on some wellingtons. And then the boots themselves become pointless since you can simply hop from one side to another.
Now, truth be told we never got to the source. We were taking a rather leisurely, car-based approach to the whole affair and we parked as close to the source as we could. Getting out the car it all looked rather rough, windy and wet. So we got back in the car. Others - hardier types - have tramped across the hill and found the source. This mighty river begins with a squelch under your boot. A trickle from a spring. Tiny.
It is the way of God to begin great works from small beginnings. Daylight begins tentatively, and the small buds appear on the trees. The oak hides in the small acorn, and the lofty pine has its cone. Pay attention to the small matters in your Christian life, and you will - you will - see great things grow.
