Jesus is currently teaching me about enjoying the simple moments in everyday life. For example, the other day, I wrote this down after work:

I’m sitting outside waiting for my ride home from work, and at this moment, I can’t help but feel I work in the most beautiful place on earth. 

I’m listening to the snow-turned-rainfall off the roof and hear birds chirping 🎶 

I’m looking out over the green pine trees, the blue sky, and the deer hanging out near me.

I wouldn’t have noticed that if I hadn’t been looking around and listening. 

My word of the year is ‘Live.’ By that, I mean that I want to truly live every moment. I don’t just want to watch life go by. I want to participate in life and appreciate every moment. 

And guess what? Life isn’t just about the ‘big’ moments. It’s about a million little moments each day. Those ‘small’ moments are what life is all about. 

What is a small moment? 

• Going for a walk in nature and genuinely noticing the beauty
• The smile passed to you in the grocery store
• Someone holding the door open for you
• Being creative (doodling, painting, building, reading, listening to music, etc.) 

The most precious moments to me are the memories of laughing with my family, having heart-to-heart talks with my friends, and watching sunrises/sunsets. 

It reminds me of lyrics from a song by JJ Heller, 

“Everything is sacred when you take time to notice

Big love happens in the small moments”

-Big Love Small Moments by JJ Heller 

I encourage you to do the same. Even if you are in a season of grief and lament- no, especially when you are in a season of grief and lament, look and appreciate the small things. The flower growing in the crack of a sidewalk, the sound of birds chirping, or the sun peeking out from behind the clouds. 

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” -Psalms 19:1 NIV