Life is but a sinuous path requiring focused navigation and a decided destination. It is certain that there will be hills and valleys, curves and twists, blind spots and bridges, and plenty of potholes to swerve around. But what is key in all of life’s required maneuvering is the ability to remain steadfast, full of hope, and conscious of how well we are “running” the course.
The year was 1954. The U.S. Billboard Chart ranked “Little Things Mean a Lot” by Kitty Kallen the #1 song of the year! Laced with simple lyrics about little niceties and endearing smiles, this tune captured the essence of how significant the smallest of gestures can be to the person on the receiving end.
In today’s society however, we are hard-pressed to find people who value simplicity. We have become over-indulgent, materialistic, and self-gratifying. We long to flaunt our success and look impressive, having the finery and luxury that will cause others to envy. We are hurried and at times even frantic people, often going nowhere fast! Sadly, it is not “the little
things” that we value!
At the core of our being, and vital for life is the heart. We cannot survive without it fulfilling its
primary function of carrying oxygen-rich blood and nutrients throughout the body. It is essential to
physical health, vitality, and strength. It is the source from which our life is given.
I have never been an early-riser! In fact, I am not especially fond of the early morning jarring as the
alarm clock sounds off disturbing me from the comforts of my down pillow and favorite blanket.
In a recent conversation, I was asked: “Does God really have a specific plan for each of us?” The answer is an absolute “Yes”!
It has always fascinated me how our sense of smell can evoke the most fantastic imagery and can allow our minds to transport us in that moment to places remote in our memory. Such was the case with me just a few Saturdays ago while perusing the aisles of the local home improvement store. The moment became an opportunity for God to speak to me, and enrich my soul.
The family “pack mule” is somehow indicative of being a mother. The children off-load their hats, jackets, sweaters, and toys with a hearty “Here Mom!”, and husbands hand off their keys, sunglasses, and wallets for you to mind. While maybe not officially in our job description, moms everywhere are given the task of carrying things.
The words fell hard upon my heart and rang repeatedly in my ears, “I have decided not to come home and will be by tomorrow to pick up a few things. I do not want to be married anymore. I’m actually in love with someone else. I want a divorce.” My husband’s piercing words cut me to the very depths of my spirit and struggling beneath the weight of the crushing news, I fell to the floor in tears!
“Here, let me help you with that!” The words resonate in my heart as I reflect on how always being a help to others, especially my siblings and I, characterized the man my father was! He was generous, warm, and kind; always looking for opportunities to bless others, and he went out of his way to do so. During one of our last conversations shortly before his death, he said, “Well baby, Is there anything I can help you with?” Although physically unable to do many of the things he had once so enjoyed, his heart was intent on serving others. He wanted to help!
BUSY! That word defined means “having a great deal to do” or “to keep occupied”. Just for a moment take a closer look at some of the synonyms: involved, absorbed, engrossed, immersed, preoccupied, distracted, diverted, concern; and on the list goes. This word BUSY is indicative of someone who is so wrapped up in an activity that they are given over to it. Busyness has captivated and consumed them to the point they may be missing something of even greater importance! Today’s lifestyle is fast-paced, hurried, and chaotic. The demands on our time and schedule are great. There is so much competing for our attention that priorities can often and easily become misaligned. Busyness can be evidenced all around us and in us. Busyness is a thief and a robber of our time, while cleverly disguising itself as productivity.