The Simple Things
One of my favorite things are the little things in life. I know that sounds super strange, but it’s true! I love warm spring days after weeks of freezing cold weather. I love it when my favorite song comes on the radio after I’ve had a rough day. I love being able to talk to my best friend over Skype when she’s been in England for weeks and I can’t just call her on the phone. I love getting flowers for no reason and spending the day laughing and having fun with someone I really care about.
There are so many little things that I love, but sometimes I forget that those little things aren’t just happening, they’re gifts from God. And I forget to thank Him daily for sending little rays of sunshine (sometimes literally) my way when He knows I need it most. I celebrate all of these little things when they happen, usually with happy tears (if you know me, this isn’t really news for you), but I don’t celebrate Him the way I should when these things pop up. And that’s not okay.
We should be celebrating our God, our Creator, our Father every single day. I know for me, I struggle with it. I struggle coming to God and worshiping Him when I’m at peaks in my life, but as soon as I’m at a low, I come running to Him and His arms are wide open. I struggle with thanking Him when the little things happen and sometimes even the big things, which I should do always because He did a HUGE thing by sending His son to this earth to die for our sins. Not just some sins. Not just certain people’s sins. Not for any other classification of sin besides just plain old sin. Jesus died for you, for me, for that frustrating person at work, and even for Donald Trump. He did it because He loves us so incredibly much that He wants us in heaven with Him someday.
And because of that, we should thank Him for all of the big moments and little moments. At our highs and our lows. During our crappy days and our awesome days. Psalms 99:5 says, “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy.” If that verse doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what does. We need to thank, worship, and celebrate God at all of our moments because He is holy. Because He does the little things for us. But most of all, because He did the biggest thing for us, sending His son to pay for our sins.
So the next time something little, big, or in between happens, try to thank God for those things. You’re not alone, I’ll be trying to do it too. Because He is holy and deserves more than we could ever give him, but saying thanks every once and awhile is a start.
- Shattered Glass - August 25, 2017
- Rising Tides Raise All Ships - January 19, 2017
- Daughter of a King - December 14, 2016
It’s always good to celebrate the little things! Like tea parties and Gilmore Girls. 🙂
I’ll testify!
You happened upon the biggest “how to” of contentment, Katie. At least in my eyes. Gratitude. Even for the crappy stuff, because the crappy stuff has purpose, too.
Can’t tell you how much living in Seattle has taught me to really appreciate the sun and rainbows.
You know, if we can’t be happy with the little we will never be happy with the big stuff. A VERY good reminder for me today as it feels like EVERYTHING is falling apart. And yet, it is not. God has a plan. Time to be grateful for it all! Even the crap!!!!!!!!!!!!
‘…and celebrate God at all of our moments…’ I love the very thought of growing a habit like this – to celebrate the big and the little. Great way to live! Thanks, Katie!
Great reminder, Katie. And Gretchen, you are so right. Gratitude does create contentment! I’m on my third or fourth “blessing book.” Every morning I record all the blessings and “kisses” from God I can remember from the day before–rainbows, windchimes tinkling, daffodils blooming. It changes everything. And last Christmas, guess what everyone got in their stockings? Cute little $1 journals from Michael’s to write their blessings in:)