Little Things (03/15/2025)

Indoor plumbing, a coffee pot that works, a warm and sunny spring day, the song of a bird in a nearby tree, a green light, light traffic, a kind and compassionate dental assistant, time with a friend, a call from my sister, a friend who stopped to say hello, a car to get me places, a quiet evening with my husband, a comfortable bed, a LORD that was with me through it all. Yesterday, when I woke up, my prayer was that I’d enjoy the little things.

And then yesterday, my husband received a birthday card from his sister. She’d made it herself. It’s delightful. And I had to smile. The message on the card was “Enjoy the little things in life.” “Oh, LORD,” I said out loud, “how do You do it?”

I’d prayed to the LORD for a more meaningful and transformative lent after listening to others share what they were doing for lent. And what I heard in my heart and head seemed to be too simple to be the real answer. But I thought I’d give it a try. What I heard was simply to be aware of the little things.

And so, yesterday was my re-launch of lent, taking note of the “little things.” And two things happened: I realized how many “little things” came my way in a day and my sense of gratitude for the “little things” helped me see the bigger picture – the wonder of life and the power and presence of my LORD at work in my life. And I wanted to do better, I wanted to be better, because this was no little thing. And I promised the LORD I would notice. And I asked the LORD to make me an instrument of His “little things” in this world.

And I thought of St. Therese of Lisieux who wrote about doing the little things with great love. I love how the LORD does that – plants and idea and then little by little cultivates it with visuals and memories to make it bear fruit. Our LORD is awesome.

Our journeys of faith, hope and love have some huge moments, but let us commit to being aware of and present to the “little things.” Let us be individuals who enjoy the little things along the way and give thanks for them. And perhaps, we could also commit to doing those “little things” for others for love of our LORD who started it all.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.