The Power of Small Beginnings
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.
—Zechariah 4:10
"Out with the shag carpet!"
That's the new refrain called out from the program staff with delight, disbelief, and great anticipation. We have spent considerable time reviewing St. Mary's Sewanee's processes, platforms, equipment, and furnishings with fresh eyes. We aren't being frivolous, though I have been called "fancy" a time or two. But I am allowing the staff to ask for what they need to do their jobs well. That includes safety, efficiency, and fairness.
It started at our first all-staff visioning session in March of 2026, when I asked everyone to imagine St. Mary's Sewanee in three years with all their dreams come true.
At the top of the list? Silicone oven mitts.
Really?
When I asked the chef a few more questions about this grand dream, he showed me our potholders.
Those potholders carried some nostalgia, but they weren't safe. Sixty dollars later, each member of the kitchen team had silicone oven mitts.
Out with the shag carpet.
A few months later, when our new Board Treasurer helped us complete our financial migration to a new system, she asked where my scanner was so I could upload receipts and invoices. I stared at her blankly. She quickly got annoyed and walked two offices down to fetch printouts off the common printer, which connected to my laptop only half the time. That week, she personally ordered me a scanner and printer that I've used every day since.
In the next Finance Committee meeting, she expressed frustration about our antiquated tech. Another board member donated $5,000 so we could upgrade ancient laptops, webcams, purchase a "fancy" laminator, and add a monthly IT service contract.
Out with the shag carpet.
It's the small and inexpensive upgrades, like chef's knives for the thousands of meals we prepare, that are safer than the ones we were using. And it's the deep breath we take when we commit to purchasing new registration software built specifically for spiritual retreat centers rather than summer camps. It's the donation of a weed eater and a chainsaw, so we aren't using our property manager's personal tools. It's the investment in new sound equipment, so we have speakers on both sides of the room and wireless mics for program leaders.
Out with the shag carpet.
I once scoured Sewanee Classifieds for area rugs and was delighted to find cement planters for pennies on the dollar, so we could literally throw away the shag carpet in the Merton Apartment and place blooming flowers at the front door.
I don't deny that I have grand visions for redecorating the rooms in St. Mary's Hall. But it's deeper than that. It's taking pride in our workplace and giving staff permission to ask for what they need so that they can do their jobs well. It's maintaining this building and these grounds that welcome and envelop you when you arrive to rest, renew, and reconnect. You may not notice that the railings have been painted or the benches have been power-washed, but you know, like so many who have walked through the doors in recent months: "It just feels different here."
Because it is different.
REFLECT: Your Small Beginning
Reflect: Where in your own life might God be inviting you to honor a “small beginning?" Bring to mind one small area of your life that feels worn, overlooked, or “not quite working.”
Ask: What is needed here?
Act: Take one tangible step, however small. Send the email, buy the needed item, clear the space, ask for help.
Even the smallest act of care can become holy ground.
