Day 3 - Little Things

Little things.  Little things mean more to me in life, in my relationships with others, than grand gestures. 

In a world where we have to make everything bigger - “Go Large”, “Giant Screen”, “50% More” – we often ignore those little things.  In our quest for MORE, for BIGGER – we miss the moments that matter most.  A hug, a kind word, a smile.  It can be in those little things that we find God’s true, unconditional love.

It’s when we open our hearts and minds to possibilities around us…to the people around us…that we can be truly at peace.  It’s not always easy…like loving your neighbor or being patient and still. 

When my grandmother was ill and in her last days, it was the little things that made it easier for me to deal with everything going on around me.  Friends would come to the house offer just to sit with her so that I might get outside for some fresh air and a short walk.  I would come back a short time later to find that, while gone, they may have done some other small thing at the house just to help me out.

I carry a stone in my pocket.  It’s the one in the picture.  I carry that stone with me at all times and it has a very special meaning to me…a very private meaning.  That stone is never out of my possession and has been in the pocket of every costume that I have worn on stage, it is the first thing transferred when I change clothes.  And this stone has more value and worth to me than the greatest diamond or gold that money could buy. 

I look at that small stone, with its imperfections and flaws, fissures and chips, feel its weight and realize that, even though it HAS its imperfections – it’s still a thing of beauty.  It is strong and has endured many things yet still remains.  A small and constant reminder that I, too, remain.

Take time to enjoy the little things in life…put away the oversized trappings of the day that you don’t really need and find something that will bring you peace.  Take a moment to reflect on what’s really important in your life.  Appreciate the beauty around you, experience life quietly.  Make time for others…smile…send a random text…take a cup of coffee to a friend…something small.  It doesn’t have to be huge.  A small gesture may be all that is needed to make someone’s day better…maybe even save their life…and you did it!  And in that you are showing just a small part of God’s love.

Peace.