...Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter now into the joy of the Lord. (Matthew 25:21)

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 personally went to the artist’s studio to ask for an explanation.

The artist place a blank canvas on the easel and within fifteen minutes, had completed a painting of a bird. It was a masterpiece! The Emperor, admiring both the painting and the artists 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 arm loads of drawing of feathers, tendons, wings, feet, claws, eyes, beaks-virtually every aspect of the bird, from virtually every angle. He placed these silently before the Emperor, who nodded in understanding. The magnificence of the “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 that day, strive for an excellent hour. An excellent life is the sum total of many excellent moments.

Creator of all good, guide us minute by minute that our lives may reflect a sum total of excellence in Your sight!