Several centuries ago, the Emperor of Japan commissioned a Japanese artist to paint a particular species of bird for him.
Months passed, then years. Finally, the Emperor went personally to the artist’s studio to ask for an explanation.
The artist set a blank canvas on the easel and within 15 minutes, had completed a painting of a bird. It was a masterpiece!
The Emperor, admiring both the painting and the artist’s great skill, asked why there had been such a long delay.
The artist then went from cabinet to cabinet in his studio. He pulled from it armloads of drawings of feathers, tendons, wings, feet, claws, eyes, beaks; virtually every aspect of a bird, from virtually every angle.
He placed these silently before the Emperor, who nodded in understanding. The magnificence of any “whole” can never be greater than the magnificence of any singular detail.
To have an excellent life, strive for an excellent year. Within that year, strive for an excellent month, and within that month, strive for an excellent day.
Within the day, strive for an excellent hour. An excellent life is the sum of many excellent moments!
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE THAT DETERMINE THE BIG THINGS.
Thou hast been faithful over a few things,
I will make thee ruler over many things, enter thou into
the joy of thy Lord.
Matthew 25:21