Sunday, September 27, 2009

The Little Things

I watched a documentary the other night about the Theremin. For those of you who don’t know what it is, here is a photo of Leon Theremin playing his Theremin:

It’s the only instrument known that you can play without actually touching it. By moving your hands in the space around its antenna, you control pitch and volume. It was invented by Leon Theremin who patented it in 1928. One of his pupils, Clara Rockmore, is considered the greatest virtuoso Theremin player ever.

They grew in fame and as I read up on them,  I marvelled at their lives and all the things they went through. Then I was humbled as I watched them meet up again in their old age. 

The thing that struck me was: though she was a famous virtuoso, and he was ahead of his time, there were few who knew it after all these years. Together they walked out of the hotel, arm in arm, as quickly as their old age would carry them. They were virtually unknown and unimportant to most of the people out there that day, except for the few who knew.

For some reason, it struck me then, that it’s the little things. Sure, we can do great things that may affect many people, but often you will be forgotten. In the end, all that will really matter to you is the little things you do and the kind of person you are. Just as important as the big things, are the little things.

The kindness you showed.
The way you chose your words.
How much you loved.
The pardon you were willing to give, especially to those undeserving of it.
The patience you showed.
I could go on, but I think you get it.

Who are you really?
I’ve included a video of a song you may recognize that had originally utilized the Theremin.

Galatians 5:22,23

Until next time,