My usual morning routine involves heading straight to the shower, getting dressed, and then heading upstairs to complete my morning devotional and Bible reading. This morning the devotional mentioned having thanks like a little child.
If you are a parent or you have spent much time around little ones you have probably heard their list of things they are thankful for, especially in those bedtime prayers. Of course, they list the big things like thank you for Mom and Dad, but they also notice the little things like Grandma’s macaroni and cheese, and the fish they caught when they went fishing with Grandpa.
Too often, we as adults, forget to notice the little things. We give thanks for our home, our spouse, our children, and our job, but we find ourselves too busy in our day to day life to take notice of the little blessings that come our way.
After my devotional study I ate my breakfast and then headed out for my morning walk. Overnight we had been graced with a small snow, one of the first real measurable ones we have had this year. As I headed out on my walk I found myself flashing back on my devotional and paying more attention to those little things that made the experience so wonderful: the melodious praise songs coming through my iPod and headphones, the soft crunch of the snow beneath my feet in those few silent seconds between tunes,
the green grass peeping between the snowy piles which serve as a promise that spring and its warm weather will return,
the beauty of the snow covered Kentucky landscape,
the memories of my little children playing and laughing in the chilly air,
and even the intermittent pain in my shins which remind me that I am strengthening my body.
Maybe it was the fact that I gave myself permission to slow down and just enjoy the experience.
Maybe it was the fact that I was the only one out and about this cool, snowy morning.
Maybe it was that God was using the walk to reinforce the devotional that I had read this morning.
Whatever the reason, this walk and the opportunity it provided for giving praise was one I will cherish. It also reminded me that I need to notice the little things more often!
Please, allow yourself a break from your typical daily hustle and bustle so that you too can notice the little blessings in your life! Get out and go for a walk or look back through some old family photos. Pay attention to the little things that God has blessed you with and give him thanks!
Renewal and Refuge 