it's the little things

I often say "it's the little things." Sometimes even I wonder why I say this. I long for mighty moments of God. Those moments when shadows seem only a memory. The moments when His power is fully felt, His spirit fully discerned. These moments are wonderful, fulfilling and good. I have had these moments, when tears of joy and adoration fall and my body trembles at His majesty.

I am learning, however, it is the small moments that build my faith more. Small moments of clarity that come like an unexpected letter or smile. If only we saw these moments for their utter beauty! We long so much for the grand moments that we often overlook these small happenings. I have found that it is the steady, slower work of God in my life that is most beautiful, however. My wrestling matches with Him on the darkest, loneliest nights have built more faith than the best concert or retreat. 

       As I walk this shadowy path, I find small moments of realization like wildflowers amidst dead leaves and brambles:

      Thinking on my mountains I miss so much. It reminds me that my longing for something more, something deeper is my longing for Him.

     Tripping and not falling on the sidewalk. Stumbling is inevitable. Falling is too. In the stumbles and even falls, there is One who will lift me up and teach me to walk again. Sometimes we stumble so that we can learn to walk better.

     Sitting in my dark room as the glow-in-the-dark stars gently gleam on the walls. All about me are little glowing stars who comfort me with their faith, people who share the love of God. Though we are in the dark, their light gives me courage.

     Falling asleep listening to worship music. I felt as though I was falling asleep in the arms of the Creator, and in those moments, fear was dimmed and peace blanketed me.

     Walking in the budding woods and finding the first sign of trout lilies. New life I have been given, and though winter comes, cold and hardship come, spring will come once more, and He will deliver me from my valleys. He keeps His promises more faithfully than Spring herself.

     Innocent smiles from strangers. A gentle reminder that I cannot see all that He is doing, and there is more going on that I may ever know. if such a smile encourages me, what might it do for another?

     A kind deed seen or received. He is at work. That in itself is enough.

Small lessons culminate into larger ones. His whispers in the ordinary keep me going more than the big moments, in fact, they are what make the big moments monumental. Gentle reminders, like invisible post-it notes across my life, are finally put into perspective in those moments. At the same time, the small promises fulfilled fuel my trust in Him for the big ones. 

Want to be content in your discontentment? Want to be encouraged? Look for Him everywhere. You will not be disappointed. He is constantly at work, if only we would notice. Do not be so eager for massive moments of conviction and change when it is the everyday work of His that changes us most. 

"Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay… small acts of kindness and love." -Gandalf