I think as people we often fall short in the little areas of life because we fail to see that the things happening all around us, though often caused by the unfortunate choices of others, are actually a test.  I want to pass not only the bigs tests in my life, but the little ones, those which no one else will ever see.

"These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--though your faith is far more precious than mere gold..." 1 Peter 1:7