Anything Important Happening Today?

“Nothing of importance happened today,” wrote King George III in his diary on July 4, 1776.

This ironic quote has been widely circulated in books, blogs, and even sermons illustrating that significant events may occur about which we’re unaware. I’ve probably used it myself in bygone days.

However, the quote is apparently an urban legend. Arnold Hunt, curator of historical manuscripts at the British Library, claims that King George not only didn’t say that, but that he never kept a diary. Hunt says that the quote is a variation from something King Louis XVI wrote in his diary during the French Revolution.

Of course, as preachers and authors are inclined to say, “Never let the facts get in the way of a good story.”

Regardless of the veracity of the quote, we are reminded that important events can occur about which we may be unaware. So, while we celebrate our freedom, independence, and the birth of our nation on July 4th, history.com reminds us of other important events that occurred on the 4th of July.

• Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of “The Scarlet Letter,” was born on July 4, 1804.
• Playwright and composer Neil Simon was born on July 4, 1927.
• Singer-song writer Bill Withers who wrote “Lean on Me” was born July 4, 1938.

Imagine the world without the contributions of these important people. Yet, I wonder how many other people were born on July 4th, even in 1776, whose names are unknown, but made a difference in their families, their communities, and their churches?

In addition, it was on July 4th that…
…Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died within 5 hours of each other in 1826.
…Construction on the Erie Canal began in 1817.
…Walt Whitman published the first edition of Leaves of Grass in 1855.
…The Confederate Army surrendered at Vicksburg in 1863.
…France gave the United States the Statue of Liberty in 1884.

All of these were important events in our country’s history. But consider so many unknown events and decisions people made that changed their lives, cheered the heart of a hurting friend, or improved their future fortunes.

In this regard I’m reminded of a column the late Dee Bowman once wrote for Pressing On Magazine, Be Wise Small, that was later published in a paperback book. Bowman emphasized that life is often about “little people,” without any public recognition, but who are worthy of honor. Their small acts of faith, their daily decisions that were integrity-driven, and their goodness and kindness expressed without fanfare or thought of reward, can add up to make a big difference both in their lives and the lives of their friends, neighbors, and brethren.

In his initial column Dee urged us to “be wise about the smallest matters,” because developing that habit would issue in being wise “about the large matters. Like putting your grocery cart in the proper place. Or picking up a piece of trash and putting it in the trash can. And certainly doing the right thing when no one is looking. As Emily Dickinson once wrote, “If you take care of the small things, the big things take care of themselves.”

So, to paraphrase Zechariah 4:10–”Don’t despise the day of small things.” Don’t discount, but rather appreciate humble beginnings. Be faithful in the little things. Don’t underestimate the power and providence of God, especially in its early and unseen stages. Remember, that progress, even if it’s small, is still progress.

Furthermore, who’s to say that my choices and actions, which are seemingly insignificant, when practiced day by day, won’t add up to something uncommonly significant in the future?

Regardless whether we’re ever recognized for anything great in the eyes of the world God calls us to daily discipleship, cross-bearing, and faithfully dong our duty. If we fail to follow Jesus, even in the smallest matters, as one author put it, we’re just playing “trivial pursuit” with life.

Remember that the little things and charitable deeds that you do in secret are seen by the Lord and the Bible promises that He will reward you openly (Matt. 6:4).

An Albanian born woman, Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, known to the world as “Mother Theresa” was fond of saying, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”

So, as we come to celebrate the birth of the United States of America, is anything important happening today?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman