Lately, people have told me, “Please! Don’t forget the little people!”
Which makes no sense to me.
Unless, of course, they are literally talking about people who are littler than me. Which is quite possible, as I am on the taller side of the spectrum. So, perhaps if a person is so small that I simply cannot even see them from my five feet eight inches high vantage point–well then, perhaps it is possible I could forget them.
You know, out of sight out of mind.
Maybe, since they are so microscopic, these little people who I cannot even see with the naked eye–well, maybe I should arm them with pins. Therefore, if I forget them, as people keep warning me against, then they could prick my feet as a reminder. A painful reminder, albeit, but a reminder nonetheless.
But little people.
There is no such thing. There are people with small minds, I suppose. People with hearts that grow small because they forget to nurture them; forget to put them in growing and spacious places, fill them with hope and peace and compassion and humor.
But even those people are somewhat unforgettable. As they tend to be the ones who I accidentally bump with my new and slightly bigger ukulele on the train and then get yelled at like I had just run over both their feet with a hummer or something. Rather than bump them with an instrument that weighs about 8 pounds soaking wet.
Not that I have ever or plan to get my uke soaking wet. I think that would be a terrible idea, actually. I once got my iphone soaking wet. Didn’t work out so well for either me or the iphone. Oh, but back to the uke and the lady.
My bad.
I really do need to watch that thing.
Especially on a crowded subway.
Still, kind of takes the joy out of an apology when the offended party yells at you, rolls their eyes, and turns their back to you–all before you can get out the words, “I am sorry.” And then it’s just not the same, saying it to a rigid back, is the thing. But it’ll do. It has to sometimes.
Anyway, have you ever heard that saying in theater that goes: “There are no small roles, just small actors.” ?
I think that applies to life in general. There are no small people. Sometimes we box ourselves in and make our lives feel small cause we think small and act small and all that; but we’re all big. Infinite. Eternal. Important.
Unforgettable, really.
And that’s that.
Oh, I’ve met tons of little people. Who are they, you ask? Well, the thing is… I forgot them.
hahahahahahahaha
hahahaha you’re ridic.
I really wish I could post the thing that REALLY makes me laugh lately; but alas, I cannot…!
Tease.
ha ha- oh my goodness, i remember when Jason and Darb would go to the Christiana Mall and always saw ” little people” and had so many stories about them!!!
This is a great post!- It is so true. We all have value because we were created by a God who wanted us. In His eyes, we are all equal. Good reminder;)
we are all people, period. Yep, sarah:) Miss you, girl!
miss you too!!!!!! can’t wait to see you next Saturday;)
Jessica, it’s about midnight there in the City. I hope you are able to find time at this hour to rest.
Reading this particular post reminded me of yet another piece of writing, one that you may already be familiar with — and if you are I would not be surprised. It is “The Practice of the Presence of God,” by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection. Here’s a snippet from a website dedicated to this “little person”:
Brother Lawrence
A Heart For God
Reflections On
Practicing God’s Presence
“I walk before God simply, in faith, with humility, and with love. I apply myself diligently to do nothing and think nothing which may displease Him. I hope that when I have done what I can, He will do with me what He pleases.”
… Brother Lawrence
http://www.practicegodspresence.com/reflections/heart_for_god.html
http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/5657/pg5657.html
As you are a writer, I trust you don’t mind my literary references. Teaching English and literature is what I do, and doing so in China is truly a wonderful thing.
Hey Jess,
I can assuredly confirm that there really are small people! In fact I just found a couple of them on Youtube playing your popular song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXeCmvkDsg4
This made me laugh and smile. I hope it does the same for you.
hahaha it certainly DOES do the same for me. Thank you, Yanick. And yes, I stand corrected; there ARE small people. Magical, small people, who play paper plate banjos. Love this.
Whew. Good to know I won’t be forgotten