It’s The Little Things

My youngest daughter surprised me.
She came home from college a day early for her Thanksgiving break.
It was a wonderful way to begin our Thanksgiving holiday.
She was grateful to sleep in because as an RA she needed the extra few hours.

After she got dressed, we went out.
I had to return a book at a book store.
However first, we went to a seasonal shop that I love to go to all through the year.
This time of year it is filled with everything Christmas.

My eyes skip over sparkly things.
My attention is never peaked when I see glitter.
My eye goes right to the country things.
I always seem to find them.

I saw the reindeer.
It was not a Rudolph type of reindeer.
Rather this reindeer was plaid, and rustic, and fit with the decor of our home.
The reindeer had a collar with a few bells on it.

I have quite a few stuffed Christmas toys that my children played with when they were younger.
I thought that this reindeer could be added to the collection.
I loved the soft sound of his bells.
It was then I noticed that one bell was missing.

I could see the place on the collar where the bell had been.
I looked on the floor and all around the area where I saw him.
No bell was anywhere to be found.
The reindeer was too cute to pass up and he was the only one left.

I had a few other things in my cart.
When I got to the register, I asked the girl if the reindeer could be discounted.
It’s missing a bell, I said pointing to the spot where the bell had been.
I have to call a manager, she said, picking up the phone.

I looked back at the few people behind me.
I didn’t want to hold up the line.
I will just lay this aside, until the manager comes so I can ring up the rest of your things.
I was grateful for her efficiency; so were the people behind me.

The manager came over and looked at the country plaid reindeer.
Take half off, he said with a smile.
The manager didn’t have to do that, but he did.
I wasn’t expecting that! I said to my daughter as we left the store.

I got home and saw the phone number written on a post-it note.
It was the number of the company that makes the organic sprouted grain bread I enjoy.
The loaf of read in my refrigerator had a problem.
It is delicious as ever, but the top of each slice breaks off when you take it out of the bag.

I decided to call the company so that their quality control could know about the problem.
I got a very pleasant sounding woman on the other end of the phone.
I explained the problem to her.
Oh, we are aware of it, she said, it’s happened to me as well.

We are trying to figure out if the grain is softer or perhaps it is happening as it bakes.
It is frustrating for us because we can only test one thing at a time, she said.
Give me your name and address and I will send you a few coupons for replacement loaves.
Thank you so much, but that is not the reason for my call, I said honestly.

I know but we are grateful to our customers and this will show you our appreciation, she said.
I gave her my name and address.
I thanked her for being so gracious.
She thanked me for being a good customer.

Gratitude and appreciation sometimes comes in small packages.
Sometimes the things that catch us by surprise stir up the most gratitude.
It’s the little things, we have heard it said.
It really is!

Sometimes those little things tend to spur us on.
Sometimes those little things turn a gray sky to blue.
Sometimes, those little things seem to be sprinkled from God’s hands.
God seems to know when we need a little encouragement.

Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

We tend to be thankful for the big things.
We are thankful for our family and our friends.
We are thankful for our health, our homes, the food we eat, and the clothes we wear.
We are thankful for our freedom and the country in which we live.

We are thankful to our Heavenly Father from whom all good gifts come.
We are thankful that God the Father sent His Son, Jesus to live, and die, and rise again.
We are thankful for our heavenly home when we trust in Jesus alone for our salvation.
We are thankful for God’s infallible Word, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

Do we take notice of the little things?
Do we notice when the rain stops long enough for us to get our groceries inside?
Do we take time to thank Him that our drive was traffic free?
Do we thank Him when we are able to reconnect with an old friend?

Do we thank Him when the storm rages around us yet we are safe inside?
Do we thank Him for the smiling baby that brightened our day in the checkout line?
Do we thank Him for the neighbor that picked up the trash can that blew into the street?
Do we thank Him for time to be still and the time to rest?

Do we think that the little things are too trivial and do not need an official thank you?
Do we believe that God is in the little things as much as He is in the big things?
Do we cherish the goodness of our God?
Have you thanked Him today?

2 responses to “It’s The Little Things”

1. You’re so right, Gina–we do need to remember to thank God for all the little things as well as the big ones. I try to do that, and there are so many things to thank Him for. One thing I’m thankful for is you and the ministry you do. I love your blogs and your class. Thank you for being in my life and may your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

   Reply

   • Sue,
     Your sweet words touched my heart. God has brought a wonderful group of women to Bible study. It is a privilege to teach and to write for God’s glory alone. I am thankful for you as well and that God brought us together.
     Gina

     Reply