The Little Things

The smell of zucchini bread is permeating the air. Dinner is planned; pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and salad. Ooh, maybe some homemade crescent rolls. The house is cool today. A bit of a chill was in the air this morning. The kids are at school. My husband is at work. Stella, our daughter's chihuahua, is snuggled under some pillows having a little nap. Pearl, our three-legged kitty is similarly catatonic. I feel peaceful.

Isn't it funny how easy it is to feel safe and comfortable when the circumstances are right and when you have gotten a few things done? Conversely, it is very difficult to feel right about a day where things are chaotic and where it feels like you are getting nothing done. Life is about the little things.

The relationships that are kept healthy. Saying "I'm sorry." Remembering to say, "I love you...really love you." Giving lots of affection. We live in a rather isolated world and hugs and hand holding and a kiss on the head can really make life feel better. Asking about someone's day.....for real. Having someone seek you out. That's awesome. Little things.

Like good food to eat. It's easy to get in the fast food or junk food rut. And that's ok for a season. But life feels better when you smell food cooking. When you have those foods that comfort you. When you get to eat with people you care about. Breads fresh from the oven. Meat cooked on the grill or in the crock pot. Potatoes, rice, noodles. Juice or milk. You know, a real meal. Fresh zucchini from the garden or broccoli with cheese sauce. Chinese food. Or Mexican build up. Whatever it is that makes you want to grab a fork and sit down and really enjoy. Don't forget coffee and dessert.

Or hospitality. Including others is a little thing, but it's good for them and for you. Whether it's a meal. Or a ball game in the yard. Taking a walk. Going to the mall. Enjoying a cup of tea. You know, little things. Things that make the day better.

Or a warm blanket on a cool day. A book. Or a movie. Time to rest. To replenish. To restore the heart and mind. Time by the creek. Or the ocean. Time to be still. To think. To simply be. Not do.

Life is good not because of the sudden big wonderful events, though some of them are really wonderful. Life is good because of the day to day little things. The things that sometimes we take forgranted. Or forget to do. Like a long bath. Or a massage. Or a game of Scrabble. Like looking through photos. Or writing a letter. Just little, simple stuff. It's the stuff that keeps us stable when the world gets rocky. The little habits.

By not neglecting your spiritual life. The God who made you. Loves you. Who gave you each of the little things. All things to enjoy.
Enjoy the little things.
blessings,
rhonda