Little things matter! In fact, they often make the biggest splash

Often, the little things matter most.

It’s not necessarily the pay raise or promotion at work, or the new pair of shoes, or the fact that your team won a big game.

Important, perhaps. Life-changing, maybe, for a short time. Those things tarnish though, and they fade away. But it’s the small things that last forever and have the biggest impact on our lives.

Don’t believe me? Just ask Winnie the Pooh?

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most space in your heart.”

Today more than ever, we are taught to focus on the big picture, the things that “wow” us and those impressive moments. But think about this: Have you ever had that moment at Christmas or at a kid’s birthday party where you brought that very big or very expensive gift. Something you’d spent a lot of time looking for, maybe even found the last one on the shelf. And you couldn’t wait for them to open it and everyone would be so fascinated and excited? Remember the moment of anticipation?

Then, the young child opened it, smiled big, played with it for a minute or two, and then, ever so suddenly, seemed to have more fun playing with the box the gift came in? It was the simple, big box that mesmerized and captured their attention, not the pricey, extravagant toy.

There are times in our lives when we can take a cue from the smallest of those around us and just play with the cardboard box rather than the bright, shiny trinket.

A simple card will do what a new pair of shoes can’t. Making dinner for someone will convey the message over an expensive gift. A well-placed word of encouragement or hug of consolation will fill a heart more fully than a marching band. A small surprise of thoughtfulness bursts through the pain of discouragement or anxiety.

It’s the little things in life than make the biggest splash.

Can you remember a card you received that took your breath away? Can you think about a small gift that had a lasting effect? Is there a special birthday or Mother’s Day or other occasion when someone did something for you that cost exactly nothing?

The Bible says it’s the “little foxes” that spoil the vine, and that is absolutely true. But to twist a popular phrase in today’s vernacular: Little things matter!

And that’s what God wants too. The little things. He doesn’t ask for the big stuff. 1 Samuel 15:22 says:

“Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.”

It’s been attributed to many, but it still rings true: “Enjoy the little things in life, because one day you may look back and realize they were big things.”

Little things matter. They are remarkable snapshots that turn into massive photo albums.

And, remember, especially around Mother’s Day or other special seasons of life:

• Something personal is always more valuable and desired than something expensive.
• Something from you is always more special than something from y’all.
• Something handwritten is always more memorable than something typed.
• Something personally handwritten from you is cherished for a lifetime.

Think the little things matter? Try doing a few little things and watch them turn into the big things in your life. Here are a few questions to start you thinking. You can answer in the reply section below.

• What is something little that someone did for you that was seemingly insignificant but remained with you for years or even a lifetime?
• Is there something you can do for someone today that wouldn’t cost anything but maybe a little time out of your day?
• Do you remember that birthday party (or Christmas) when someone gave a family member or friend something they had made that “wowed” you? Probably cost pennies, but just required a little ingenuity and time?

Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things. – Frank A. Clark