life’s little things

“Perfect happiness is a beautiful sunset, the giggle of a grandchild, the first snowfall. It’s the little things that make happy moments, not the grand events. Joy comes in sips, not gulps.” — Sharon Draper

Joy can be found in the most ordinary, seemingly insignificant circumstances if we have eyes to notice its presence, and open our minds and hearts to it. 

Life’s little things are not little at all. They’re the warp and weft threaded through our days, even the difficult ones. They support us when big problems hit. 

They’re what matters most because most of our lives are made up of lots of little things we often fail to appreciate when we only notice and chase after the bigger things.


What matters most

it’s the little things:

the early morning rays
falling soft across your face
the cup of coffee you inhale
to help blow the cobwebs away
the first bite of hot buttered toast
it’s the little things that matter most

it’s the little things:

birdsong’s sweet melodies
sheets freshly made up clean
smiles, big hugs and snuggles
with your beloved ones
making precious memories
your heart will treasure and keep

it’s the little things:

rainbows and rolling streams
each season’s new offerings
celebration, laughter, and songs
you’ll enjoy and sing all life long
nature’s sacred calm and peace
blessings of hope and sweet relief

it’s the little things:

far too numerous to count
far too important to miss out
they are life’s vital heartbeat
like having good rest and sleep
it’s the little things that matter most
to the young, middle aged, and old
© joylenton


Life’s little things are the icing on the cake. The sparkle of champagne that tingles and lingers on the tongue. The warm glow of kindness, friendship and love.

Little things are manifold blessings being manifested. The evidence of God’s presence, His goodness and grace in our everyday lives.

When life’s not-so-good little things arise: the setbacks, problems and difficulties that cause us stress and anxiety, it helps to focus more on life’s small, uplifting pleasures and joys.

 “Delight in the little things.” — Rudyard Kipling

Seeing life through the eyes of a child

elliott-meets-a-tortoise

 

Through the eyes of a child

I want to examine life with the eyes of a child

Look with serious, curious intent, gaze

 

with playful interest at all that’s spread

out within reach like a rich banquet feast

 

Ruminate as I cultivate creative vision

which enhances down-trodden and soiled

 

See beyond what lies before me in the everyday

Experience God’s hand at work while admiring

his handiwork. Step bright and bold with joy

 

as I begin to sense a sacredness unfolding

Discover life as a great adventure, dying

to be explored by those who can see more

©JoyLenton2016

When do we lose our sense of wonder? How long is it before we become complacent about the daily grace gifts before us? What shrinks our vision to that of an endlessly dark tunnel, rather than extending beyond what eyes can see?

All too soon for most of us, it seems. Yet the longer I live, the more I long to hold on to those things which are ordinary-extraordinary, to be aware of God at work in the daily, His majesty invading our mundane.

Because the more intently we look, the more joy we will have in each day’s grace offerings. They are there to be glimpsed, seen and savoured by hearts full of gratitude, but our attitude tends to throw us off course when we become totally absorbed by the pain and problems of today.

We will soon be entering a season I struggle with, where darkness pervades and seems to invade me outside and in, when my soul seems to shrink, curl and die like autumnal leaves become lifeless.

Maybe we can learn to intentionally look for the light at the edges of everything? Watch for its slim fingers infiltrating the hard, opening them up, sliver by sliver, to the radiance of God’s presence, discover His Light burning brightly all around.

All too often I write about the painful things, the hard places where grace seeks us. And that’s well and good, because we can all be held captive to pain. However, my main aim in the next few months is to focus more on the goodness, beauty and joy before me, difficult as it can be to discern, sometimes.

It would be good to have your companionship as I try to embrace the sunshine in these darkening days while we slide toward winter. We can support and encourage one another to stay positive, to remain hope-filled and joy-seeking souls in the midst of life’s all-pervading darkness. Will you join me? Please consider subscribing by email here and over at my main blog, ‘Words of Joy’. I would love to partner with you! 🙂

seeing-life-through-the-eyes-of-a-child-poetryjoy