The Little Way
The “Little Way” is a simple approach to the spiritual life that seeks to do ordinary things with extraordinary love. St. Thérèse of Lisieux, France (1873-1897) is known for what she called her ‘little way’ that consisted of performing “small virtues,” not making grandiose sacrifices to God, but acts of holiness and kindness to those she lived with in the convent.
St. Therese based her little way on two fundamental convictions: 1. God shows love by mercy and forgiveness and 2. She could not be perfect in following the Lord so she did not try to be.
St. Therese of Lisieux known for her “Little Way”
She did little things for the nuns she lived with–smiling at someone she didn’t especially like; cutting bread for a particularly vexatious person, giving up her place at the dining table, uttering a friendly word when she didn’t always want to, and so on.
When I read this, I realized that I could do more ‘little’ things than I ordinarily do, and it changed my daily behavior. I started smiling more, sharing a kind word, offering a hand to a man or woman struggling with a grocery bag or waving hello to a neighbor out for a walk.
The more little things I did the more I noticed I could do.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another.
Hebrews 10:24
Lovely exhortation! We all can do more to show the love of God- even if it’s little.
Happy Thanksgiving my dear friend!
And Happy Thanksgiving to you, my faithful friend.
What a beautiful reflection and such good timing.
I love you Mon.
Thanks, Julie. I love you, my sweet first-born.
Lovely!! Your piece made me think of the hymn “Others Lord Yes Others”
It is easy to find online so I won’t post it here.
God bless you,dear Karen. Happy Thanksgiving
Thank, you, Etta Mae. It is so good to hear from you.
Karen, this is such an important idea and post. I will take it to heart more than I do, thanks to you!!!
Carolyn Curtis
Thank you, Carolyn. It’s wonderful to hear from you. Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you Karen, I can get very busy with myself. It’s the little things that count and oh so easy to do. And that friendly smile can mean the world to someone.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
This does get easier the more you do it.
Thank you for your inspiration and example.
Smiles, BRC