It’s the little things in life. This saying is so true. I’ve found that the big things in life, the ones I build up in my mind, often end in more disappointment than fulfillment. Perhaps that’s because I am looking for something that isn’t lasting: a conjured up, mountain-top moment that’s Instagram worthy. But usually the small, ordinary moments in life fill my heart with more joy.
Fireworks typically occur once or twice per year. We look forward to the pretty colors, the sparkles in the night sky, even the loud noises they produce. A good firework show on a warm summer evening is something to anticipate.
When the sparks fade into the night sky, the smoke dissipates, and all is silent again, the stars still shine as they do each night. And they are always there, no matter how many fireworks grab our attention.
I think ‘small’ and ‘big’ life moments are like this comparison. Both are lovely in their own way, and neither one is wrong to enjoy, but only one remains a constant part of life.
I say this with hope that you will seek out the lovely ordinariness of your life. Enjoy those grand mountain-top moments too, but take care not to miss the quaint joys filling each day. Dissatisfaction robs a person of the ability to delight in one’s life.
For the stars are always there if you will only have eyes to see them. In the sweet laughter of your children, in the warmth of a meal shared with friends, in the embrace of a loved-one, in the Sunday drive to church, in the laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, and so on.
And take heart, for they also shine during life’s harder seasons: broken trust, a child’s dishonesty, financial struggle, a health crisis, and so on. I pray that you can find a glimmer of joy during the difficulties of life. I promise they are there even when all seems dark. And I pray for the Lord’s hand of peace to guard and comfort you.
I also notice that my joy increases as I seek out ways to serve others each day. That could be writing a note to a friend, calling my grandma just to chat, sending an encouraging text to someone, or making a nice meal for my family. I encourage you to serve those around you with what you have in a regular day. The littlest act of service may have the largest impact on a person’s day.
There will be big moments in life that contain joy: a vacation, a new home, or a job promotion, but if you are like me, those kinds of things aren’t a part of daily life.
So I encourage you to embrace what an ordinary day holds, anticipate the little joys in it, and remain thankful for the life the Lord has granted you to live.
All of these words are mainly a reminder for myself, but I hope they inspire you as well.
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” -Philippians 4:11-13
Find More Encouragement
- Thriving Despite Winter Blues
- Joy in Winter
- God’s Call to Homemaking
- Gird Yourself with Joy
- Quiet Spring Beauty
- In the Matter of Drudgery
I love what you wrote! I will stop by just to reread it & try to always remember this as I feel so good with “The Little Things in Life” I feel those who see the beauty in nature are lucky and blessed.
It keeps you always interested in life & to me that is true happiness.