It's the Little Things

This week has simply been insane. I feel like I'm a hamster running on a wheel, and every time I think I can slow down, pause, stop for a minute, I'll get hit from behind by the unforgiving wheel. Assignments pile up. Expectations pile up. People ask me to do things, and I fail at saying no. Dear friends who I haven't seen in so long are asking to spend time.... and it seems utterly ridiculous that I should say I don't have time. But I honestly don't. The balance between responsibilities and fun is nearly nonexistent. And I'm in over my head.

But it's times like these that I need the biggest perspective change. I need to quit feeling sorry for myself. I need to quit moping around about how I don't have time. It's times like these that the simplest, purest things minister to me, bring me alive, bring me joy. So often I get caught up in complaining that I fail to see the beauty of life, the beauty of the little things.

It's the toothless smiles of kindergarteners
It's the reassuring hug of a friend
It's the misplacement of articles (and tutoring ESL students)
It's the excitement of reading a poem again, and finally understanding
It's the laughter of a skype call with a friend overseas
It's the sweat pouring off my forehead as I run
It's the honking of geese over the lake
It's the taste of a chocolate chip cookie made with love
It's the sound of my family's voice
It's the wisdom of a friend
It's the victory that comes through answered prayer
It's the community found in others
It's the heat of a fire, the cold behind me
It's the sparks flying up and being swallowed in the expanse of blue
It's the voices of women singing to our God
It's the truth of his promise
"Behold. I am doing a new thing."

It's the little things that keep me going.