THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE

A new devotional “The Little Things in Life” looks at the ordinary, small things in life and how often they are extraordinary and to be treasured. 

THOUGHT:

You have heard it said, “It’s the little things in life.”  So, first, what are the little things? Hmmm……

The alarm goes off and you realize it is Saturday morning and you don’t need to get up yet.

Hearing from a friend you had lost touch with.

A smile from a co-worker just because.

A rainy day and you remembered your umbrella.

A new puppy.

Smell-good memories of Grandma’s kitchen.

And the list goes on and on.

Now, in reading the Gospels, I believe Jesus also enjoyed the little things in life. Certainly, there were miracles, parables, and teaching, etc. Yet, because He was fully human as well as fully Divine, He not only enjoyed the little things, but relished them.

I can just imagine Jesus at the Wedding at Cana, before the miracle occurred, Jesus was likely celebrating with the new couple with dancing, and wine, and laughter.

How about when He and the disciples would go fishing and then cook lunch on the beach? Who doesn’t love a BBQ at the beach?

When the children rush to Jesus and they clamor up onto His lap, I can “see” his big smile as they giggle and squirm. Who wouldn’t smile?

Maybe working with his stepfather Joseph in the carpentry shop? He is the oldest and he knows that holds a special place in a father’s heart.

Sometimes life is so weighty. We have bills to pay, a house to clean, children to raise, a job that is demanding, and so many more burdens. Jesus’ earthly life certainly was not any easier than ours, and in fact, likely much more challenging than anything we could even imagine. Yet, because He was human as well, He lived a normal life growing up. I suspect there were many times in His childhood and when He traveled with His apostles, there were those “little things” that make life so amazing.

The “little things” are what makes life so interesting. They are “breaks” in the everydayness of our lives that can give us respite. A smell that brings a warmth that is indescribable. A blue sky that can bring visual acuity to a problem we need to solve. A touch from our child that is comforting and almost says aloud “It’s going to be OK.”

In Psalm 37, we see the language that helps us to “enjoy” life and to absorb the beauty of the little things and “delight in the Lord”: 

Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
⁴ Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

So, the next time it seems like life is pressing down upon you. Stop. Look around. Find the little things in life. Pick a flower. Hug a child. Eat something gooey and delicious. Read a psalm. Appreciate all the things that Jesus also appreciates.

I am reminded of the song:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things (the thing) of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free

PRAYER: 

Jesus, our Savior, our Brother. Please help us to open our eyes and ears and senses to the wonderful little things in our lives. Help us to be grateful for all that we have. Help us not to dwell on the burdens. Show us how to get up, look around, and inspire the fullness that is Your Creation. AMEN.

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