Luke 16:10 – (Jesus said,) “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

Gratitude 713

Recently, Hubby Rick was gone for the day. THE WHOLE DAY. It may not seem like a big deal, but since he retired, he’s home a lot more.

Let me be clear. It’s not bad that he’s home a lot more. We eat a lot more meals together. Ever day, we share more throughout the day. Lately, we have watched the Olympics together or sometimes will watch an episode of something that interests us. Yes, we still do our own things throughout the day. But with Rick being home more? It’s just … different. After years of me being the only person home in the afternoons and evenings, I just have had to shift my thinking.

So, when he said he had plans away from home one day, I realized that it would be hours before he would be home again.

What to do?

Honestly, I am feeling a bit guilty as , well, I didn’t really accomplish a lot. All these hours just for myself and I kind of wasted them. Yes, I got some small things done. I went for a run and some other little things crossed off the list. But maybe, I just wanted to be here by myself … alone?

When Rick got home, naturally, he asked what I did during the day. I felt silly saying, “Not much.” This generally isn’t how I operate. After a few really long days, I just needed a little down time.

Maybe There’s More to Small Things Than We Think

Too often, we look at these time periods when we don’t do a long and think, “Well, I wasted that time.” But maybe, there’s a slightly different way to think.

We put so much emphasis on getting the big things right in life. Yes, there are big, important aspects of life. But aren’t the small things just as important? And, even more important at times?

Can we allow ourselves permission to enjoy and relish the small things of life … and love days only filled with small things?

Will we decided that God is just as present and available to us in the normal, everyday run-of-the-mill-days as the days we circle on our calendars or call “the best day ever?”

Maybe doing laundry is just OK. We can be thankful for the clothes we have.

Cooking a meal and appreciating the wonderful range of food options we have.

Sending a quick email to someone and giving praise for knowing this person.

Going for a run or a walk or just looking out the window and being amazed at the glory of God’s creation; even in winter.

I’m guessing that you might be able to add some “small” things to a list that we should love and appreciate as well.

Jesus’ View on Small Things

Jesus had this interesting way of looking at the faith journey. Basically, he said, “Get the little stuff right first. Then, you’ll have an opportunity to deal with the big stuff.”

It’s the walk-before-you-run mentality that we preach to our kids and grandkids but forget when we get a little older. You see, we never really outgrow some of these basic life lessons. Sometimes, we just need to relearn them a bit later in life. Again, and again and again.

So, if you’re feeling like a day hasn’t been super productive? Give yourself a break. Celebrate the small things. Relish the quieter minutes and moments, knowing there will soon be a day that will have more demands in it. We can find God in the little moments of life just as easily as we do in the big moments … if we challenge ourselves to look a little deeper. And these moments are just as important and valuable as the big ones. Maybe even more important.

For the reminder that God is in the small stuff as well, I am grateful.

Blessings –

Dianne

Holy God – May I allow myself to appreciate the less demanding days and celebrate the opportunities to find You in all the little parts of my daily life. Thank you for always being with me. Amen.

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