Little Things

Great virtues are rare: the occasions for them are very rare: and when they do occur, we are prepared for them; we are excited by the grandeur of the sacrifice; we are supported either by the splendour of the deed in the eyes of the world, or by the self-complacency that we experience from the performance of an uncommon action. Little things are unforeseen; they return every moment: they come in contact with our pride, our indolence, our haughtiness, our readiness to take offence; they contradict our inclinations perpetually. It is, however, only by fidelity in little things that a true and constant love to God can be distinguished from a passing fervour of spirit.--Fenelon