The Importance of Small Things

I recently went to stay with a friend who lives near a spot on the coast where there is a high chance of seeing dolphins. I love dolphins and was really eager to see them. Having tried the evening before and having had no joy in spotting any, I arose early in the morning, hoping to have more success. As I walked the coastal path, en route to the dolphin spotting area, I saw some sand martins, a heron, a ringed plover (which made lots of noise for such a small bird!) and a seal. On the beach, as I waited for the dolphins to appear, I saw lots of small pieces of sand-washed sea glass and beautiful shells. However, after a long time of waiting, there were still no dolphins. I must admit to being a bit disappointed. However, there was a choice to make. I could either be disappointed because the main goal in setting out that morning was not fulfilled, or I could focus on all the small things that God had blessed me with on my walk.

As I have thought about this more, I realise that this has been true of my healing journey too. While attending a course at Ellel, or a seminar held by a local church or ministry, I could be very focussed on the healing I would receive through being there. Being healed of a particular hurt or wound could become my focus, because I wanted to be whole. The same was true of a prolonged period of physical illness when the children were small, focusing only on being fully physically healed.

It’s been during this past eighteen months of lockdown and reduced activities that God has shown me the value of these small blessings; a beautiful sunrise or sunset; beauty in a small flower, a bunch of flowers from a friend; a phone call or a text from someone to say that they are thinking of me; a hug from a family member; the smile from a stranger in the street. I have come to celebrate each one as a gift from God and a sign of His presence with me, especially in the really difficult days.

Because of this I can look back to the earlier days of my healing journey and see the value of the small blessings and the reminders that God was there walking with me through the journey. I know at times that my wounding was such that I couldn’t see them or accept them, but God, in His faithfulness, continued to send them; a new friend made on a course or seminar; the glimpse of a bird that I had always wanted to see while on a walk; a smile or a hug or a small gift from one of the other guests on a course or from one of the children; the encouragement and prayers of a friend. I see now how these small blessings have brought healing in ways that I didn’t see then, slowly breaking into the wounded places. You might like to pray this prayer with me today.

Prayer: Dear Father God, thank You for the small blessings that You send my way each day. Please forgive me for not taking the time to notice them. I ask that You would give me eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to accept these small gifts and blessings and see how they bring healing to my wounded places. In Jesus’ name. Amen.