Definition: “The phenomenon whereby a minute localized change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere.”  

“If you have the faith of a mustard seed you can say to this mountain ‘move’, and it will move.”  Jesus

It’s the little things in life that make the biggest difference.  It’s the small things, the overlooked or underappreciated things, the things that aren’t recognized or rewarded that matter the most.  It’s the act of kindness like a warm hug or a soft word, the anonymous gift given at a grocery store or on a street corner, the gracious gesture that is done at times even without the knowledge that it has happened, and ignorant of the impact it will have on the fortunate recipient, which may just have the most lasting effect.  I was reminded of this last week by Lou.

Lou is about 80 years old, give or take a few.  He has a long, grey beard that falls off a face that is well-chiseled by the years and that simultaneously reflects strength and kindness.  He has piercing blue eyes that are radiant, and yet seem somewhat sad, which isn’t surprising, because Lou has seen a lot in his life, including but not limited to time spent in Vietnam during the war, and a life-long marriage to the love of his life, whom he cared for during her long descent into dementia.  It was a result of her illness and subsequent death that Lou became a support group facilitator for others who are caregivers for those living with dementia.  That’s the context in which I met him, for he had recently moved into the region that I oversee for my work and is interested in getting started with facilitating again.

My intent was to bring Lou up to speed on some of the nuts and bolts necessary in facilitating his new group.  But soon Lou was leading the conversation by talking about what he had learned from caring for his wife, and how he tries to impart a bit of that experience with other caregivers.  He spoke with passion as he described various interactions he’s had, and how much he enjoys leading groups where others can get the support that they need.  And then he said something like this, “I know it doesn’t seem like that big of a thing to others, but I think that sometimes it has The Butterfly Effect.”

The Butterfly Effect is that small, overlooked, seemingly unimportant act that can have a major impact on the lives of others and the life of the world!  It is how Lou sees his role as a volunteer facilitator, and maybe his role in life.  Both, incidentally, are fueled by a faith that is expressed and evident in the humility of the one who holds to it.  That faith, I am certain, is what sustained Lou during those exceedingly difficult times. 

As I left, I thought a lot about The Butterfly Effect.  It certainly applies to Lou and the innumerable and unnoticeable ways that he’s helped others who are in the same position that he was.  But it also applies to so many others that make such positive impressions on others merely through a word or small act of love.  I thought of other people whom I’ve known that seem to exemplify this way of life.  I also thought of others like you—including you—and how you have both been the originator as well as the benefactor of The Butterfly Effect.  Consider how something incredibly significant could be the result of something you did that just comes naturally, or that was done to or for you by someone you’ve never even met or come in contact with.  It’s kind of mind-blowing!

And of course, I also thought of how The Butterfly Effect fits into the context of faith.  The Butterfly, as you know, is a symbol of resurrection.  And the resurrection of Christ was and is itself the utmost example of the Butterfly Effect.  An empty tomb discovered by a few women early on a Sunday morning has had a cataclysmic effect on the world ever since.  And not only on the world, but on you and me, in ways that we may never know! Isn’t that wonderful!