Little Things

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a difference in someones life. Visiting with elderly parents and bringing dinner. Playing a favorite game with them and needling each other (just in fun of course).  Taking down the garbage for someone who has a tough time getting down the stairs of their house, or making sure they have some wine and soda in their fridge since they don’t drive as much.

Little things matter, and we really don’t have any idea how much until someone does something like that for us. A grateful smile, or a hug means so much. In this busy world we sometimes miss out on those queues as we are so busy moving on to the next thing, or next item on our to do list.

Take the time to do some small things, not only for others, but for yourself. Doing little things can remove stress from your life as well as that of others. I’ve found that if I notice an item that needs to be put away, or a service on the car (yes, I still try and do most of the work on my cars) that I should do it when I recognize it or I may just forget and then someone else notices and asks me why that hasn’t been done yet (since I mentioned it a week ago, or something like that).

If you do something for someone else, look at them, you will usually notice a smile or possibly a sigh (thankful that it is finally done either way). Don’t remind people that you did something, that is such a selfish thing to do. Do willingly, not because you want recognition or a thank you, but simply because it needs to be done and you want to help.

We don’t always need to do those big ticket items, doing some smaller things for others can yield surprising results. Everyone feels better and you grow closer with each small act.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

How to be Miserable

From an old piece of paper I found that, for the life of me, I cannot remember where or when I originally got it. So many of these items ring especially true these days.

How to be miserable –

Think about yourself. 

Talk about yourself. 
Use “I” as often as possible. 
Mirror yourself continually in the opinion of others.
Listen greedily to what people say about you. 
Expect to be appreciated. 
Be suspicious.
Be jealous and envious. 
Be sensitive to slights. 
Never forgive a criticism. 
Trust nobody but yourself. 
Insist on consideration and respect. 
Demand agreement with your own views on everything. 
Sulk if people are not grateful to you for favors shown them. 
Never forget a service you have rendered. 
Shirk your duties if you can. 
Do as little as possible for others.

Seeing ourselves as the center of the universe leads to misery. We weren’t made to be the focus of our own attention. According to Isaiah 57:15-21, we were made to give our hearts to “the High and Lofty One”, who lives with those who have a contrite and humble spirit. He brings comfort and peace to those who sense their need of him.

Lord, help us to turn our thoughts away from ourselves and focus our attention on You, the only source of true and lasting peace. Self-centered brings misery, A proud ear brings much pain; But those with true humility A lasting peace will gain.

Helping out

Always nice to have more family around, and being able to help them move into their new home is a blessing. Spent a few hours today doing just that and had a great time. Able to catch up with folks you don’t get to see everyday is amazing.

As you get older you realize what is and what is not important in your life. Being around family is always good, hearing about their lives and sharing stories are what it’s all about.