Submitted by June Crandall, Contributing Author
“Grant that we may realize that it is the little things that create differences; that in the big things of life we are one.”
Overall, this short paragraph presents a powerful message about human unity and the importance of perspective with words such as differences, little things vs big things, and humans being one.
Essentially, this paragraph directs us to ask for the wisdom to recognize that many conflicts and divisions arise from “little things,” while the “big things of life” reveal a deeper common ground between people. Shared experiences and values that connect humanity by far transcend everyday disagreements, personal preferences, or social distinctions.
So, the question becomes can we look beyond minor differences and focus on what unites them? One must ask!
If you read closely, this sentence is in two distinct parts: the first recognizes differences we all share, while the second accentuates unity. It is essential to understand that these are both distinct and natural realities of human life; differences do exist, but they should not overshadow the larger truth of common humanity.
Common humanity is what Mary Stewart recognized so profoundly as she crafted this Collect. She reminds us to reject the petty, the small, the unimportant and to be adorned with compassion, with kindness, with understanding. Such action with its lasting impact comes from its timeless truth: people may differ in minor ways, but at a deeper level they are connected by a common humanity.
“Grant that we may realize that it is the little things that create differences; that in the big things of life we are one.”
Overall, this short paragraph presents a powerful message about human unity and the importance of perspective with words such as differences, little things vs big things, and humans being one.
Essentially, this paragraph directs us to ask for the wisdom to recognize that many conflicts and divisions arise from “little things,” while the “big things of life” reveal a deeper common ground between people. Shared experiences and values that connect humanity by far transcend everyday disagreements, personal preferences, or social distinctions.
So, the question becomes can we look beyond minor differences and focus on what unites them? One must ask!
If you read closely, this sentence is in two distinct parts: the first recognizes differences we all share, while the second accentuates unity. It is essential to understand that these are both distinct and natural realities of human life; differences do exist, but they should not overshadow the larger truth of common humanity.
Common humanity is what Mary Stewart recognized so profoundly as she crafted this Collect. She reminds us to reject the petty, the small, the unimportant and to be adorned with compassion, with kindness, with understanding. Such action with its lasting impact comes from its timeless truth: people may differ in minor ways, but at a deeper level they are connected by a common humanity.
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