February 6th, 2012

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SmallStuff

Monday, February 6th, 2012

I’m in the process of reading a book by the sister-in-law of one of the men from the church I pastor.  I hope to finish it real soon and tell you about it.   It has rocked my world and has had me crying and laughing, thinking and praying, questioning my faith and standing firm, all at the same time.  (By questioning I don’t mean whether God exists, etc.).   In fact, I am not even going to tell you the name of the book, or its subject matter, until I write about it.  But I do want to give you something to think about today.  It is spurred on by a quote mentioned in the book:

Maybe we spend too much time waiting for something big to happen, when we should appreciate the regular small stuff and just get through life.

Over the years there has been a series of books with the theme of “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.”  The quote above is taken from a movie, and it really hit me when I began to think how often in the past I was looking for the big things to happen, all the while missing the little blessings God chose to give me.   As I have thought back on my past, I have found myself living for the next big adventure instead of just stepping back and enjoying the moment.

It seems we all tend to be that way.  No sooner is something finished than we are looking for the next task to begin and complete.  I don’t know if it is our insatiable desire to “prove ourselves,” or maybe the drive to constantly be on the move,  or what.  Maybe it is the fear or boredom.  Maybe it is our “one-upmanship” attitude on display.  Whatever it is, the crazy notion is robbing us of enjoying the moment, of enjoying the pleasure of “feeling God’s pleasure” (to quote Eric Liddell, the Scottish Christian from Chariots of Fire).

Perhaps it is time for all of us to get off the rat race- to stop and smell the roses- to take pleasure in the small stuff, and not always be looking for the next big thing.  Do you find yourself missing out on the small stuff?  Do you find yourself part of the rat race?  How do you take the time to check out and revel in the small stuff?  I would like to hear your thoughts. 

I hope you will look forward to the post about the book.  It is a life changer…I promise (the book not the post).  😛