Woman and nature
Dr. Steve Harper writes: "when we practice present-moment meditation in relation to littleness, we may wonder why a particular thought stands out. We must not second-guess the “why.” Instead, we accept the moment for what it has revealed, and we ask, “God, what are you wanting to say to me through this.” (File Photo)
Special to United Methodist Insight | August 12, 2026
I recently had the privilege of being on Bishop Tom Berlin’s podcast, “From the Writer’s Desk.” He interviewed me about my book, Little Lights. Our conversation focused on the idea of littleness in the spiritual life, and the importance of it in a world that emphasizes “bigger is better.”
I will not repeat what I said on the podcast. Here is the link to listen to our 20-minute conversation,
After the interview, I had these additional thoughts. I offer them in no particular order
First, when we practice present-moment meditation in relation to littleness, we may wonder why a particular thought stands out. We must not second-guess the “why.” Instead, we accept the moment for what it has revealed, and we ask, “God, what are you wanting to say to me through this.” Littleness meditation does not expend time and energy speculating why something has gotten our attention. Rather, we become attentive to the thing itself, “asking, seeking, and knocking” to see what word there is for us in it.
Second, we do not practice the presence of God exclusively in private. There are times when what we experience needs to be shared with others. Some things only bear their intended fruit through informal conversation, Christian conferencing, and group discernment. Abundant living almost always arises out of some experience of life together.
Third, we always include the question, “How can I enact what has gotten my attention for the good of others?” Insights almost always include incarnation and mission. As the old phrase puts it, we are “blessed to be a blessing.” Lived theology is the aim of contemplation. In language akin to that of St. Francis, we are instruments of God’s peace.
Well, enough for now If you listen to the podcast episode, I hope you find it helpful.
But more than that, I hope you will find a spirituality of littleness to be a means for living more fully into Jesus’ words, “the kingdom of God is within you” and “the kingdom of God is at hand.” I hope you will live in the spirit of Brother Lawrence, “we can do little things for God’ and that of St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa), “let us do little things with great love.”
Steve Harper 2024
Courtesy Photo
The Rev. Dr. Steve Harper is a retired seminary professor who taught for 32 years in the disciplines of Spiritual Formation and Wesley Studies. Author and co-author of more than fifty books.. He is also a retired elder in The Florida Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.