The power of dreaming small

Polly Hughes considers how small choices can lead to big connections.

This year, The Salvation Army is celebrating a milestone: 160 years. When Catherine and William Booth set out, do you think they had any idea that the work would spread to 134 countries? Did they realise what God had in mind?

What we do know is that both believed their actions could, and should, influence and challenge society, even if it meant stepping out of their comfort zones. As Catherine put it: ‘If we are to better the future we must disturb the present.’ She was right!

I’ve always been curious about the stories behind the headlines. The story of D-Day is one such headline. It’s talked about as a turning point of the Second World War and much of what’s written focuses on the day itself. My grandmother told me stories of encountering troops practising for the invasion on Bodmin Moor and I became curious.

You may not be aware that D-Day was originally planned for 5 June. However, on 3 June, Maureen Flavin, who was based at Blacksod Lighthouse, got up at 1am on her 21st birthday to do the usual hourly weather report. This reading picked up a storm that no other did. As a result, the invasion was changed to 6 June, when a window in the storm opened. This enabled the boats to cross safely and the turning point in the war to become a reality.

It would take 50 years for Maureen to discover the role she played in making history. What if she’d decided to sleep a little later that day – it was her birthday after all. The story might have been very different.

Maureen lived to learn the difference she made, but many of us never know if a small choice or action will lead to something bigger in God’s hands.

Though there are many challenges still to overcome, there has been progress. During the past 30 years alone, more than 1 billion people globally have been lifted out of extreme poverty thanks to choices and actions.

I remember being a teenager, wanting to make a difference but feeling daunted about my ability to do so. But Jesus doesn’t call us to do it all. He calls us to play our part. Paul writes in Romans 8:28 that it’s God’s purpose we are called to. I believe God is inviting us to offer our jigsaw pieces to the beautiful picture he’s building.

As the Big Connection launches, what small act can you contribute that could make a difference in God’s hands? What if your decision to raise funds, take part in an event or pray for our fundraising teams leads to a door being opened?

The money raised through the Big Connection enables us to keep being there for the people who need us most. What if one of those people – each precious to God – is so shaped by the help they received that they go on to change their family, their community or even the world for the better? I wonder if, one day, someone might be curious about the story behind a headline and find that it began with you!

This year, I encourage you to dream small. Ask God what small act he’s calling you to that he could turn into something great for his Kingdom and glory. Who knows, your choices today, in God’s hands, might just become history!