Little Things, and a Little Way

It was a dark and stormy night (apologies to Snoopy).

It was actually a dark and stormy morning here in North Carolina.  A rainy Wednesday, and no one wanted to get up and make breakfast.  No one wanted to go to school and take tests.  No one wanted to go to meetings at work.

But we had to, and so to make it just a little bit easier, I served hot crescent rolls for breakfast.  This is a big treat for my kids because I don't think they are a particularly healthy way to start off the day, but they sure did cheer the kids up.

Then, as I surveyed my messy house and pile of laundry, I decided to make myself a cup of tea before diving into the housework of the morning.  As the water heated up, I had to choose between my favorite mugs:

"Owl" -- the picture of my new nephew.  Isn't he adorable?

      Or, "Good Morning Beautiful", which my teenage daughter got me for Christmas and because I thought it was very ironic this morning:

Or, my happy little ladybug-garden one my sister got for me:



Now, how can anyone be sad when you use that mug?  Isn't that ladybug adorable?

So, I chose the "Good Morning Beautiful" one because it reminded me of my daughter...but I'll use the other ones later in the day for my decaf!

As I sipped my tea and set about the  tasks I do, it occured to me that just a small thing -- choosing a special mug-- changed my whole mood.  Likewise, a little thing for my kids -- unrolling pastry and cooking crescent rolls-- cheered them up, too.

I reflected on how Little Things count so much.  Like my sister's blog, Jen's Fun Little Things.  She makes beautiful quilts, cooks yummy food and delights in cute bargains.  It just makes her blog -- and her home-- very warm and loving.  I think anyone who visits her -- physically or virtually-- has a respite from their troubles, a soothing friend to chat with.

And I thought of one of my heros, Saint Therese of Lisieux.  She's one of my favorite saints because she seems so approachable.  Although she died when she was only 24, she wrote an autobiography called The Story of A Soul.  In it, she describes her humble "little way" in which small, kindly  gestures demonstrate God's love in the world.  And I think this resonates for me everyday.  Odds are, I am not going to don shining armour and lead the French army.  Odds are, I am not going to spread my faith throughout foreign lands.  But if I can do a little thing everyday -- let someone cut me in traffic with a smile, hug my kids, volunteer for just one more thing, and say a prayer of gratitude each night...well, maybe that's enough for little me.

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us. ― St. Thérèse de Lisieux