The top picture is a huge zoom-in to a tiny detail from my finished piece for a residency at the 2016 Rural Christianity Conference (bottom picture). I was hearing about all the things the church could and should do as well as all the barriers which people from churches believed that were in the way of growth (a sad outcome to seek in my opinion). I heard of exciting developments and disappointments. What I heard again and again was, “well, at least we can make tea.” Hurrah! This is Holy living if ever we want it. We make tea, we connect, we have conversations. It’s far less expensive than any huge campaign and hits at the nub of what it means to be in community with people. It’s what seem to be the small things which make the biggest difference. Some people in the 50501 marches in the USA reported that they were in tears when all they did was walk. They realised that they were not alone. A community of people who simply walked together made more difference than any quazillion dollar media hit. People sat, watched, cheered. Others made posters or banners because their mental health can’t do crowds. Others handed out water. Others drove by and honked. A series of seemingly infinitesimal actions added up to a huge message for the whole planet of nations to hear. Justice for everyone with no barrier of any kind. All from a cup of tea. A smile. The small connection. That’s the big win.
