This time of year we normally take our big holiday. It’s a time of big family gatherings, big meals, big shopping, tinsel, and flash. It’s also the time of year for reflecting on the year we just lived, and often it’s the big moments that stand out, the big highs and the big lows that get our attention, the big leaps forward, the big steps back. But this year I was challenged to take note of the small things. Since breaking my foot I have had a few health setbacks and suddenly small things, like being out of bed more than in bed, like getting along with one crutch instead of two, or being able to shower again, became huge celebration-worthy moments. It challenged me to look for God in places where I didn’t think He’d be. And isn’t that an exercise fitting for this season? Because isn’t that the Christmas story? Jesus being found in an unexpected place! Salvation presenting itself via unexpected means!
The Christmas story is a declaration that small things reveal a Big God and His great Love!
- I will change my perspective on the small: God’s gift to us is His presence. But this big deal was delivered in the smallest of packages. He became both small and weak, to be with us, not considering the “big” ness of godliness something to be grasped (Phill 2 v 6), but embracing the “small”ness of human nature to change our history. Emmanuel: God with us, peace with us, presence with us. Immanuel is a big deal experienced in a thousand small ways.
May the way I love and serve in the small things this season be a reflection of this big love. That is how we make much of Jesus in this season!
- I will expect less from myself. (Ok, I have had almost 3 months of practice at this, so I am kinda nailing it! If you’ve missed any of that you can find more Instagram. It’s hilarious!). But seriously, this can be a very stressful time of year, especially for moms, as every Pinterest worthy table setting is an indictment to our inability, our ordinary, our un-perfect. I will spend less time on Pinterest and more time learning how to be ok with the me of today. Because deep joy will not come from the perfect place setting, and is more likely to be found in the the deep gratitude you have over a meal to sit down to.
- I will shop less – in fact, I try to stay out of the shops altogether if possible. I will remember that Christ is not a commercial event, but a relational one. Why not bake or make or be the gift for someone? Buying is so overrated and it’s so stressful. Less stuff, more substance.
- I will click unsubscribe. Small action, big reward. Yes, both literally, but also emotionally. In my inbox, but also in my heart. This years’ hurts, the unrealistic expectations others place on me/ I place on myself, that old anger/ anxiety/ worry I carry around. That comparison, that judgment, that painful scarring memory. Unsubscribe! Forgive! Let it go! Move on!
- I will celebrate the small. Ok, so my pace and productivity was adversely affected in the last part of the year, but that doesn’t mean nothing was achieved. I will intentionally look back at the big lessons hidden in the small situations (like the generosity and small kind gestures of friends and family that had a huge impact), the small personal victories ( like being ok with letting others help me), the small emotional victories, small miracles that made up the journey that was 2017. If you look back at your year, try harder to notice the small triumphs instead of focussing on what you may consider as big(ger) let downs or failures. Ok so maybe you didn’t lose those pesky 4kgs you wanted to and maybe downloading (and paying for!) the BBG app was a waste, but your body withstood another year and you hopefully had a few more moments of self-acceptance. Maybe you didn’t learn to speak French but maybe you survived countless hours of homework with your kids without anyone being seriously harmed. Pick out some small victories to cheer(s) over!
- I will practice peace in small things. Because peace is a big thing that starts small. Because peace is the gift that everyone needs. Because Peace is a Person, a Presence that my circumstances can’t drown out.
I will practice peace by partaking in His presence, seeking out His presence, and praying for His presence in the tense family moments, the dirty dishes and the noise that this season will hold.
- I will slow down for small things: Because slowing down for small means slowing down to wonder. Because the small moments sometimes make the best memories. The wise men knew it and so did the shepherds. Don’t miss out on the wonder that slow paces and slow places represent. A slower pace means cups of tea truly savored and kids in your bed in the morning with nowhere to rush off to. For some of us slowing down is hard. But when we are slow we are present, and being truly present is a gift we give ourselves and others.
Just what I needed to hear! Dankie! Jy is awesome
Just what I needed to hear! Dankie, jy is awesome