Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To
everything there is a season, a time
for every purpose under heaven…” The verses that follow list a variety of
larger issues which happen throughout life. We tend to take notice of these
“big” events in life, but what about the smaller, often overlooked occurrences
along life’s path?
As I age, I find myself appreciating the “little” things
in life more than ever before. For instance, the other day while shopping in
Garden City, I decided to eat lunch at Burger King. However, since I was alone,
I drove through the drive-thru, paid for my food, and parked under the shade of
a tree in a neighboring parking lot.
When I took a bite of French fries, my taste buds quickly notified me
that the fries needed salt. But to my
relief, I remembered placing a packet of salt in the car’s ash tray a long time
ago. I sprinkled the seasoning upon the French fries, and my taste buds were
ecstatic! No fries ever tasted better!!
Then, at a family gathering we were eating our evening
meal on the deck. Everyone was scattered in various places, but I couldn’t help
notice my grandchildren. Being children, they were actively chowing down their
food and being silly with each other…so carefree and innocent. But, highlighting the meal was the sight of
dripping watermelon juice from the wide, smiling mouth of a very satisfied three year old. A simple piece of
watermelon brought a “bite” of joy to my granddaughter as well as to me
watching her.
Later, after
the grandkids had finished eating, they scampered off in all directions, both
outside and inside the house. However, I couldn’t help but overhear one of my
grandsons inquire about a locust skin he saw clinging to the tree bark. While my son answered his questions, I was
drawn to pleasant childhood memories of when my neighborhood pals made a game of
collecting locust skins during the summer. Every morning (when we remembered)
we would take a long, cane fishing pole (to knock off the ones located out of
our reach) and glass jars and walk around our block and neighboring blocks to
find the skins. At the end of summer we would count them to discover who had
collected the most (no prize awarded – finding them was award enough). Then
we’d empty our jars and let them fly with the wind. This fun memory had slipped my mind but
resurfaced from an inquisitive child.
Other happenings have caught my attention since
learning to appreciate the finer things in life. While I was driving to work, I
noticed a streak of light blue sky appearing through gray-covered clouds that
had been lingering for several days. A flash of energy crept within me at the
unexpected sight and a hope of brighter days ahead engulfed me. Then, one day
while I was walking down a grocery aisle, a smiling stranger said “Hi” as she
passed me. Her welcoming gesture caught me by surprise, but it left me feeling
special. Now I aim to pass on her kindness to another. But of all the “little” outstanding
parts of life, one of the best features is receiving a hug that penetrates to
my heart, warming my soul. Lately, I’ve received several of those hugs and the warmth remains with me.
While experiencing those various, non-dramatic
circumstances of everyday life, I had felt God’s nearness in them. His appearance was made known by
problem-solving, satisfying smiles, pleasant childhood memories, nature’s beauty,
friendly greetings, and unforgettable hugs. No matter the season of our lives
and no matter the significance of our circumstances, God blesses us in His own
unique way. So, my friends, learn to appreciate the common, uncomplicated events
in life and take notice of God’s participation.
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with
benefits,
The God of our
salvation!” Psalm 68:19
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for
His goodness,
And for His wonderful
works to the children of men!” Psalm 107:31
