The Big Impact of Small Acts: Why It’s the Little Things That Matter

Truly, it's the little things that matter.

Do you remember a time when someone stopped everything—like, everything—and gave you their full attention? No glancing at their phone, no half-listening while they scrolled Instagram, just truly listening like you were the only thing that mattered in that moment. Sounds amazing, right? Now, let’s flip the script. When was the last time you stopped everything and gave someone your undivided attention? Yep, I’m talking, no phone on the table, no mental to-do list running in the background—just you, fully present and all in.

And honestly? As I’m writing this blog post, I’ve been interrupted at least 10 times. Every time one of my kids comes into my office, I catch myself only giving them half of my attention. It’s a little convicting, isn’t it?

When was the last time you got a heartfelt thank-you note? Not the kind expected after a baby shower or wedding. I’m talking about one you didn’t see coming, written purely out of love and gratitude. Or how about this: When was the last time someone went out of their way for you? Like dropping off a meal just as you were resigning yourself to night three of 'girl dinner'—a hodgepodge of snacks that barely qualify as a meal. (Though, let’s be honest, a good cheese plate and popcorn can absolutely hit the spot every now and then.)

I recently stumbled upon an article while doom-scrolling TikTok (you know you do it too), a piece on NPR titled, ‘Always Go To The Funeral’. In it, the author, Deirdre Sullivan, explained, “Always go to the funeral…means that I have to do the right thing when I really, really don’t feel like it. I have to remind myself of it when I could make some small gesture, but I don’t really have to, and I definitely don’t want to.” Her words hit me hard. Those seemingly small, inconvenient acts—the ones you and I know might only take five minutes of our day—can mean the world to someone else.

When I think back to last week—or even last month—I can count a handful of 'small gestures' I thought about doing but didn’t because, let’s face it, they weren’t convenient. I’d think about writing that thank-you card, sending a spontaneous text, making a quick phone call, offering to take a meal, or inviting a friend over for coffee. At one time, these little acts were second nature to me. I remember faithfully sending birthday cards to everyone I knew and always signing up to take a meal to a new mom.

But somewhere along the way, life got busy. Days turned into deadlines, to-dos, and 'maybe laters.' And before I knew it, those simple things—the things that make someone feel seen and loved—stopped happening. When did I become so laser-focused on my own big picture that I started missing the little things of others? Can you relate?

This past Sunday, though, I had a moment that reminded me of the power of the little things the small gestures. I chatted with a friend, one I don’t talk to often. I took the time to block out everything else and have a conversation. It wasn’t surface level; it was deep and intentional. For those few moments, it was like we were the only two people in the room, even though we were surrounded. She said the kindest thing to me. She saw me. She acknowledged my spirit. Later, she texted me to ask how she could pray for me. That small act meant so much to me.

Here’s the thing: giving your full attention—where conversations go beyond surface-level fluff—holds incredible power. Taking five seconds to share a heartfelt compliment could ignite someone’s soul. Waving or saying hello to remind someone they’re seen. Picking up a pen to write that thank-you note, just because. Visiting your grandparents and being fully present—no phone, no distractions. Holding the door open for a stranger. Grabbing someone’s grocery cart and taking it back for them.

These things might seem tiny, but trust me, they matter. They’re the little nudges that remind others: ‘Hey, you’re seen, you’re valued, and you’re cared for.’ And over time, they build trust and connection. As Galatians 6:9 says, 'And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up.' So, while small, it’s mighty to do 'good.' What small gesture can you do today to make someone’s world a little brighter?