There's an old story (great fodder for an original urban legend) about a cathedral being built in France, about 800 years ago. When a passerby asked the stonemasons what they were doing, the masons said, "Cutting marble for the floor."
When the glassblowers were asked the same question, they replied, "Making glass for the windows."
When the woodwrights were asked, they said, "Framing the timber for the rafters and the altar."
When the old woman sweeping the steps was asked, she leaned against her broom and looked up at the beautiful building. "I'm building a cathedral," she answered.
I love this story. It's been used over and over, mostly in motivational work. It demonstrates perspective; each of the higher level craftsmen were focused (rightly) on the details of their contribution; but the lowly woman who swept up could see the bigger picture and appreciate her contribution as being part of the whole.
It can be very difficult to see a bigger picture sometimes. When we are in the small details of living, the daily slog and grind of projects, housework, child rearing or supporting a company, it can seem like the little stuff we do doesn't really matter.
But it does matter. Without the little pieces, the bigger ones don't happen. Small details, left undone, can develop into big problems.
The woman with the broom is important in our lives; definitely for her contribution, and also for her perspective. You are building cathedrals now--whether in your own personal life or professional setting. What you do matters and contributes to a marvelous bigger picture.
What's the smallest thing you will do today to build a cathedral?
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