What did you most look forward to today? Maybe it is something special that you have planned for a while, or is it a small part of your everyday routine that brings you joy, or something else? What motivates me each day, varies with what is going on and where I am in life. When I was younger, I liked to fill my days with things and kept busy most of the time. Now with work and kids taking up most of my time, I enjoy a few minutes of down time, quiet time in the Word, or even just a ‘free evening’ with nothing planned with the family. Sometimes I look back on big trips and events and they may not live up to the hype, but I found I enjoyed the little surprises along the way even more. What little things have you experienced that have grown to be a big part of your life?
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2
Sometimes we miss significant things when we are busy going somewhere or trying to get work done. We don’t always stop to smell the roses, or appreciate what is right in front of us at any given moment. Some call this mindfulness or just being aware of opportunities in any given moment. Taking time to be thankful for what we have and appreciate the people and places around us, helps us to live with an attitude of gratitude and optimism in a world that can often be dark and discouraging. Taking a moment to look up at the stars, explore the complexity in a simple plant, or watch a tiny bug make its way across the yard, gives us some time to examine our hearts and the motives for what drives us each day. Taking time to consider why I’m doing what I’m doing in any given moment, helps us re-prioritize our lives to do more of what really matters and do away with what is meaningless. To reach out more to others and fewer selfish things. What is the most important thing you did so far this week? Could you do more of that?
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. Luke 16:10
Do any little things bother you and really get under your skin? Maybe they seem insignificant at the time, but grow to be bigger issues the longer you ignore them. Sometimes I ignore messes and other problems for a bit, but realize that I am going to have to deal with them eventually, and it will be easier to do sooner than later. I had a friend who was canoeing a couple months ago and stepped on a twig in sandals, poking his foot. He realized after a few days that the wound seemed to be getting worse and went to the doctor. He was told that if he had let it go much longer without treatment, he may have lost his foot, or his life from the infection. Little things can become big issues if they go unchecked in our lives.
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20
Little things can quickly become big things, and can be to our benefit or demise, depending on how it is addressed. May you find joy in the little blessings in your life today!
Yours in Christ,
Clark
