Wednesday, February 4, 2026

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” (Matthew 6:26)

                 Last week, I came across an article that suggested we need to focus more on the little things in life in order to deal with the cold and sometimes bleak winter and the stressful news cycle we are currently experiencing. There was nothing particularly startling or revelatory in what it suggested. Listening to music. Get away from our devices. Reading a book. Going for a walk. Nonetheless, I appreciated the idea that it is through the little things in our lives – the unexciting, slower-paced, gentle, reflective activities – that we find equilibrium and comfort.

                Coincidently, a few weeks ago, long before I even read the article, I had some words that were swimming around in my mind. (Lots of room – I hear you.) I couldn’t get them out of my mind until I wrote them down. The connection is that the piece is called “The Little Things.” It’s kind of sappy and sentimental. But hey, behind this gruff, grumpy exterior is just an sentimental, old fool. But I share it with you. (If you want a tune to go with it, the opening lines from The Rose, “love is like a river…” seems to work. Not coincidently, one of my all-time favourite songs) 

The Little Things
It only takes a little breeze to make the air so sweet.
It only takes your little smile to make the heart skip a beat.
It only takes one soft look to know that we are loved.
It only takes a little prayer to reach our God above.

It only takes a little word to make someone smile.
It only takes a child’s small hand in ours to feel that we’re worthwhile.
It only takes a little kiss to make the pain go away.
It only takes a gentle look to make it through the day.

These are the little things that matter in our lives.
Dandelion fluff and puppy dog tails
May matter the most when all else fails.
Falling snow and ice cream treats
Make our lives both sacred and complete.

It only takes a little sun to chase away the clouds,
It only takes a little blue sky to shout our praise out loud.
It only takes a little hope to face the day in brand new light
It only takes a little joy to lift our spirits like a kite.

It only takes a little peace to settle all our wars
It only takes a little love to heal the ugly scars.
It only takes God’s still small voice to bring us to our knees.
It only takes a little faith to plant the hopeful seeds.

We are blessed by these little things in each and every day.
Their bounty may come to us in wondrous, many ways.
God gives to all, the big and the small, the short and the tall,
The little things which are always just right and never too small.

Prayer:

Our Creator God, we know that your eye is on us just as much as it is on the little sparrow. We give you our loving gratitude for the myriads of little things that touch our lives with joys, blessings, laughter, love and hope.  Help us to open our eyes, minds and spirits to your many expressions of your creative touch. In Jesus’ name, amen.