The Little Things
We are well aware of the big things. They are frequently on our mind and seared into our consciousness.
We are very cognizant of our significant bills (mortgage, auto payments, etc.). We know our financial picture … the money coming in and the money going out, and how those two factors relate to the other. Health issues have a way of upending our day-to-day lives. Strained familial, educational, occupational, congregational and social relationships impact us. Technology goes haywire and vehicles or other mechanized conveniences break down and have to be repaired or replaced. Big things, all.
But the big things that demand our attention aren’t always negative. There is an abundance of positive things as well. A visit with dear family members or friends. A long-awaited vacation. An unexpected windfall. Accomplishing an unpleasant task that has hung over our heads indefinitely. A new job begun or a financial debt resolved. A new addition to the family. These are also big things, but good things!
Typically we spend a lot of time focusing on the big things in our lives. Those are the things we think about and pray about; the issues we devote our energy and personal resources toward. Those are the matters that we seek or want resolved, and the ones that we are convinced will provide us with the greatest joy when resolved favorably.
And this point of view is normal and good. It is also probably true. However, the older I get the more I am learning to focus less on the big things, and reflect more upon the little ones. I am convinced we would all be happier if we took more time to appreciate the small blessings. (Which really aren’t smaller blessings at all, even though we tend to look at them that way.)
James reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights … (James 1:17). In other words, both the “big” blessings and the “little” blessings are wonderful blessings from our gracious God! We would be wise to recognize this.
The list of “little blessings” is a long one! Here are just a few that come to mind:
Another sunrise. Blue skies punctuated with fluffy white clouds. A lovely sunset. Rain that waters the land and lulls us to sleep at night. Flowers, shrubs and trees that burst into bloom.
A butterfly fluttering across the yard; a hummingbird hovering over blossoms; sparrows greeting the morning with song; an eagle gliding on wind currents; deer sighted in the distance.
A hug from a loved one. A smile. A kind word. Time spent together with family and friends.
The smell of a baby; the sound of a toddler’s laughter; the sight of children playing; the feel of a young son or daughter’s (or grandson or grand-daughter’s) hand in yours; the taste of ice cream shared with youngsters.
A dog who is always happy to see us, no matter our mood. A cat who purrs contentedly in our lap.
A relaxing sit on the deck with an intriguing book. Or even better, a nap in a hammock. Naps in the recliner qualify too!
A simple task accomplished; a good meal enjoyed; a fun game played; a favorite show or ball team watched; a hobby pursued; a walk with someone dear.
A friendly card in the mail; an encouraging email; an unexpected but uplifting phone call; a warm greeting.
A memory remembered; a favorite song heard or sung; laughter and light-heartedness; the scent of your wife’s perfume.
The gift of sleep, and the gift of waking up again. The lack of pain. The use of our five senses.
Most would probably agree that these are “little things,” or at least things that we tend to take for granted. But hopefully you also agree that they are big blessings as well … even if we don’t usually recognize them as such.
The Lord floods our lives with “little” blessings, and he gives us this encouragement: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
In other words, recognize and treasure even the little things. Maybe especially the little things!
I pieced together a partial list of little blessings. What are some of the little things that bring you joy? Please share!
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