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Over the Christmas break and even the past few weeks since it has been one celebration after another. Our oldest son had his 10th birthday. Then of course we celebrated Christmas. Next up was good old New Years. And now just when things are slowing down for everyone else we have hit the big birthday month at our house. That’s right X and the Twins are having their birthdays. I don’t know about you but man I am so tired.
Now there is something I have noticed. As each and every one of these guys have received a gift they could care less about the price tag. They could also care less about how much razzle and dazzle their birthday party contains. Instead they are more fascinated with the little things. You moms out there no exactly what I am talking about. Happy squeals about playing with new boxes, getting to talk on the phone with family members and all the out pour of affection on their day. They absolutely LOVE it. These are the things that really get them. Shouldn’t we be the same?
How many times have we been given something and thought gee thanks (maybe even a little eye roll). We aren’t appreciative of the thought of the gift because we get so caught up in the fact that we may have spent more on them. How often do we take for granted those little phone calls that really should mean the most? How often do we ourselves shut down the small gestures of love that others show us? We are living in such a fast pace world that we forget to STOP and enjoy things and gestures.
Sometimes we even feel this way about things God does for us. We aren’t happy with the things God us because so and so seems to have more. God hasn’t provided us with the top of the line vehicle instead we are still driving our 10-year-old beat up mini van. Our homes are never big enough. Our clothes are so last season. We sadly have become more about processions than about being grateful to God for all that we do have.
Instead of chasing after all the things we do not have. We should be thankful for all the small things. We after all were able to wake up to another day. We are once again able to reach others for Christ. We are able to kiss our children one more time and hug our husbands. We have homes that keep us warm and dry from the elements. (Even if we do complain about the fact that it is to small.)
Instead of complaining we need to be seeking out those small things. The laughter of our children, the embrace of our loved ones, and those simple phone calls from those who just called to see how we are doing. These little things are what matter most. The most important things in life come without price tags. They come from the heart.
Giving The Little Things:
Strive to be the one who tries to make others smile. It really can take little effort. Incase you are stumped on ideas here are a few to get you started.
- Drop by a friend or neighbors house just because you where in the neighborhood.
- Mailing out a just thinking about you card. It can be so refreshing to get something other than bills in the mail.
- Giving away things you no longer need to someone who can use them.
- Offer to watch someone else’s little ones so they can have a break.
- Offer words of encouragement even when they don’t look like they need it.
- Pick up the phone and call a friend
- Simply smiling and asking how someone is doing
Take time to think about all the little things that you tae for granted . Once you do you will realize how blessed you truly are.
Until Next Time Just keep Soaring 4 Him,
I would like to invite you to my Facebook group Christian Homemakers in Training where we dive into homemaking, motherhood, marriage and group devotions. After all, we all need a safe place to grow together, right?
Thanks for the wonderful post! It is sad how we overlook the small things. I am just as guilty. Our car is 16 yrs old with a heater that doesn’t work so well in winter. We live paycheck-to-paycheck and I always envy those who have the nice houses, nice cars and can afford to take vacations. I should be thankful that I have a car to drive, a job to go to and a warm place to live.
Sometimes we get so overwhelmed by all the problems in our lives. The bills we can’t pay, the things we can’t provide for our kids. We always want better for them than what we had. It can turn our focus to all the negatives so quickly.
As our pastor reminded us during his sermon this morning, any problem, any question and any answer we seek can be found in God’s word. Open your bible to any book and I can guarantee that there will be SOMEONE in there we can identify with (this, too, comes from our pastor). That SOMEONE will help us see what they went through and how they got through it.
My favorite has always been David from the book of Psalms and Job. They both faced adversity, got mad at God, but then thanked Him for helping them get through.
Sometimes we ask, why me God? It’s because what He breaks down He will rebuild even stronger (again, thanks to our Pastor). When you ask why me again, instead say why not me?! God will make you stronger and wiser.
I know EXCATLY what you mean. We have two older vehicles. My husband’s truck actually has no heat and yet he is still thankful because it wasn’t so long ago we had only one car. We live pay check to pay check as well but at the end of the day all of our needs are met. My favorite is Job oh how I love Job’s strength and devotion that even when things were at the worst he never lost hope or faith. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your testimony 🙂