Life is the Little Things

Have you ever seen a magnificent painting? Have you ever heard of someone winning a marathon? Have you ever watched someone get a 36 on the ACT?

I want to spend a little time today telling you how they did it.

Vincent Van Gogh once said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” That statement is so very true. It’s the little things. There’s a sign in my house that I have loved since the day we put it up. It goes something like this, “Don’t miss the little things because one day you’ll look back and realize that they were the big things.”

Don’t miss the little things.

 1. The Little Moments

As many of my closest friends, and my mom, will tell you – my least favorite statement in the world to hear is “I don’t have enough time.” I’m telling you, it’s probably a lie. If you actually mapped up how much time you have and how much time your classes take you would see that you have a lot more time than you thought.

When you’re driving or riding in the car, you can be listening to a book or talking to someone in the car with you. Read a book, brainstorm, text someone about a task you’re trying to complete, make progress.

Those in-between moments (when you have five minutes to spare) when you’re waiting on something – utilize that time.

 2. The Little Tasks

Did you make your bed this morning?

I did.

At 5:15 in the morning I needed some reassuring that I wasn’t a failure. making my bed solved that problem. Then, I checked it off. Last night I also put down putting on my watch and splashing water on my face as tasks. The benefit? I’ve only been awake for 5 minutes and already accomplished 3 tasks on my list. What that means for me is that I’m going to keep going.

When we are diligent in the little things, we convince ourselves that the bigger things are possible– because they are.

Even if you do nothing else of value today, you will come home to a made bed. Start your days with the little successes. When it’s three o’clock in the afternoon and you feel worthless, do something small. Read a chapter of the Bible. Pray for a couple of minutes. Make something happen.

Those little tasks are where it all starts.

 3. The Little Conversations

Some of the best conversations I have ever had were short and sweet. They weren’t planned, neither of us had much time to talk, but we both benefited.

I had a teacher once talk to me about honing in on my skills. I am a jack of all trades– and a master of none. She kindly warned me of that, and that’s a conversation I will never forget. Remember the little things. Be a giver of little things. For me, it’s the quickest of hugs, the sweet words uttered in passing.

I was talking to one of my friends last night in my Bible study group, and let me warn you she is an extremely insecure person. However, she is one of the sweetest girls I have ever met. I, being the curious person I am, was going around asking everyone what their names meant. Her name, it turns out, means Gift of God. I laughed. I gave her a hug. I told her “yes.” That made her day.

Never be afraid of saying “thank you” real quick for someone giving you a ride. Thank your teachers for helping you on a problem and giving you way more grace than you needed.

Pat someone on the shoulder and say “Hey lovely.”

People are most convinced of our love for them when we are consistent.

It’s about consistency in the little things. When we’re consistent in the little things, we will be more than conquerors in the big things.

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”

–John Wooden

The little things make up our entire life. Every movement of my fingers as I type this, every opening of my phone, every step I take– those make up my life. They make up your life too. If you are going to be a Christian, be a successful student, have successful relationships, and have a joy during your time here – you’re going to have to start with the little things.

Did you make your bed this morning?

Matthew 19:19-21

“Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”

Love,

Katie