J. Davy Crockett III

“Little Things Mean a Lot” was a very popular hit song that made it to the number one spot on the charts in the USA and the UK in 1954. Subsequently, many other recording artists have released their versions of this song. While it has nice lyrics and a lovely tune, the title really says it all. In life, we often look for the big events or the very significant occurrences that make a big splash or great impact. And yet, it is the little things that we do daily that cement and enhance relationships.

Many wonderful quotations are attributed to Sir Winston Churchill, the great British Prime Minister who had such a profound effect on the 20th century. His irrepressible sense of humor, his tenacity in the face of great danger, his oratory and his writing ability set him apart as an influential historical figure. One quote he is noted for is, “Most people stumble over the truth, now and then, but they usually manage to pick themselves up and go on, anyway.”

The story goes that a couple was sitting at the counter in a diner enjoying a cup of coffee when the husband nudged his wife and said, “Honey, look at that old couple at the end of the bar. Someday, that will be us.” His wife glanced in that direction and said, with some amusement, “You realize of course that what you see is a mirror at the end of the bar!” This is a humorous reminder that we seldom see ourselves as others see us. It is also true that our mental image of ourselves can be far from the reality of our situation.

As we walked from the defense attorney’s office to the courthouse, where I was to testify in a dispute over an insurance contract, I mentioned to the attorney that when the witnesses were “sworn in,” that I would not swear. He shot a curious glance my way and asked, “Is that some religious thing?” I responded, “Jesus said, ‘Swear not at all,’” (Matthew 5:34, KJV) and I explained that I take Him at His word. We walked on in silence, and soon were sitting in the courtroom as the presiding judge began the proceedings.

As we walked from the defense attorney’s office to the courthouse, where I was to testify in a dispute over an insurance contract, I mentioned to the attorney that when the witnesses were “sworn in”, that I would not swear. He shot a curious glance my way and asked, “Is that some religious thing?” I responded, “Jesus said, ‘Swear not at all,’” (Matthew 5:34, KJV) and I explained that I take Him at His word. We walked on in silence, and soon were sitting in the courtroom as the presiding judge began the proceedings.