The Little Things

We can seek the joy and blessings of the little things in life, especially when big things are happening.  Many of us, today, are dealing with larger than life problems, challenges and loss.  It is often difficult to keep our heads above water and simply cope.

When I have down times it is usually the result of something significant topping the heap of daily issues and taking the breath right out of me.  The world begins to feel smaller and less kind and my focus draws inward.  This is a time when I do a lot of self-talk and have a tendency to try and work everything out all by myself.

This is natural for many of us, but often leaves me feeling limited and separate from the rest of the world.  In this place, this state of mind it is difficult to “power up” and take on anything, including whatever got me down in the first place.

We all experience dark days where there is sorrow and pain and possibly despair.  We can take a life situation and chew on it, mull it over and rationalize all the past mistakes and poor choices - - but, where does that get us?

How helpful are we to our inner spirit when we attempt to accomplish it all on our own?  For me, this answer is easy - - not that helpful!  I can allow my mood and feelings to go deeper and deeper into sorrow or I can look for support, love, prayer and guidance from God, friends and all that life has to offer.

It is this very circumstance I write about today.  Sitting on my back patio I immediately shift my perspective to the sun as it warms my skin.  As I look around me, I don’t have to go very far to find a gem being offered that is beautiful and simple and a welcome distraction.  As I watch an ant move across the concrete hauling a larger than life load of grain or some crumb I am reminded to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.

I see this magnificent creature pursue, persevere and somehow it appears to even trust the process of life.  It KNOWS it can succeed and accomplish the task at hand.  This is true of all of nature - - it knows how to be.  A simple experience I often forget – how to be.  It is in this place of being that I rest, rejuvenate, refresh my mind and re-energize my spirit and body to continue on.  It is in “being” I find little things surprising me and enticing me as they catch my attention.  A butterfly, the sound of distant laughter and the deer in our complex with wobbly-legged fawns frolicking across the grass are all reminders to let go of any pain and enjoy the beauty and little things constantly surrounding me.

I am taking little steps to change and grow and evolve.  I am taking little moments to reflect and appreciate all life around me.  And I am enjoying the little beauties and reminders of calm moments, happier times, and the abundance of nature with its continuous promise that life is grand and God is Good.