Rashi teaches that Hashem instructed the entire Jewish nation to wait for Miriam Ha’Neviah to be healed before He allowed them to move on to their next encampment. This was her reward for the extra moments she spent at the river to keep an eye on her baby brother, Moshe. What did she really do that was worthy of such extraordinary reward, that an entire nation waited for her? She did very little, and, after all, it was for her brother. Such devotion is to be expected. Yet, Hashem recorded those moments, because “little” things, simple actions, are what define greatness and, thus, deserve distinction.
Chesed, be it personal or organizational, has become a favorite commodity of people who want to do good, to better the lives of those who are either not as fortunate or do not realize how fortunate they really are. Some undergo challenging circumstances, and some have convinced themselves that their lives are miserable. In any event, certain people and organizations are prepared to help. This is all very good. How many are prepared to do the little things, such as smiling to someone or greeting them with a resounding: “Good morning”; “Have a great day”; “How are you feeling today”? Chesed is not only about the exotic situations for which one receives accolades. At times, that simple smile can change a person’s life and engender him with feelings of self-worth and esteem, which are often lacking.
A smile costs nothing and is simple to produce. Yet, some people find it hard to smile. It enriches others with the memory that someone cares. Everybody, regardless of his/her station in life, needs (and craves) a smile. It validates without extracting a major toll on the individual who smiles. I present a quote (attributed to an unknown author) that should guide us, “Nobody needs a smile as much as those who have none left to give.” At times, the “little” things are superior and last longer than those we perceive to be monumental.
