Little Things

Many of us are familiar with Corrie Ten Boom's story of dying grace. Her father reminded her that he gave her a train ticket only when she was ready to board the train, and he told her that dying grace was like that. God gives it to us only when we need it. But sometimes it takes more grace, more courage, to live than to die, to persevere through difficult circumstances, to survive in confinement, to wince in constant pain, to operate hand to mouth daily for simple survival, to wonder when the next shoe will drop in a debilitating or fatal disease. This kind of grace, this kind of courage, is often needed right now and everyday. How can we find this kind of grace and courage?

I'm assuming you have already accepted Christ as your Savior, because that's the first step, and it's absolutely essential. I am also assuming that you have a daily quiet time with God where you read His word and communicate with Him, because that's the second step. But I want to suggest a third step, and I will call it "small things."

Seek pleasure in the small things of life--holding a baby, watching a sunset, holding hands with someone you love, eating a favorite meal, reading a good book or watching a good movie, listening to beautiful music, painting a picture or writing down your thoughts, indulging in a little shopping therapy. Treat yourself often to the little pleasures that are God's gracious gifts to you on a daily basis. And be grateful for each and every one.

Also, reach out and share little pleasures with others. Pastor Mat suggests telling someone everyday how good God is. A smile or a genuine compliment can lift someone else's spirits, and also yours, because we can never encourage someone else without that encouragement splashing back on us.

Treasure the little things in your life as well as provide them for others. As you look back you may well discover that, not only is life a compilation of the little things, but the little things were really the big things after all.