Lewis Smedes, in his fine book Forgive and Forget, retells an old story about a tailor who leaves his prayers and on the way out of the synagogue, meets a rabbi.

"Well, and what have you been doing in the synagogue, Lieb Astrom?" the rabbi asks.

"I was saying prayers, Rabbi."

"Fine, and did you confess your sins?"

"Yes, Rabbi, I confessed my little sins."

"Your little sins?"

"Yes, I confessed that I sometimes cut my cloth on the short side. I cheat on a yard of wool by a couple of inches."

"You said that to God, Lieb Astrom?"

"Yes, Rabbi, and more. I said, 'Lord, I cheat on pieces of cloth. You let little babies die, but I'm going to make you a deal. You forgive me my little sins, and I'll forgive you your big ones."