So much of life is about us as humans reacting to the big things that happen around us. Often we find ourselves in situations we neither made nor control. I have theorized for many years that the big things in life are really the little things we have taken for granted. Here are a few tactics that may help us tackle the big things and issues of life:
- Make achievable goals. There is nothing wrong with dreaming but if your dream is your goal and you wonder why nothing seems to go your way, it maybe because your aspirations and your starting point are in two different separate universes. It is the little victories conquered daily that bring big and meaning change.
- See what others don’t. In art a person is taught to not only look at positive space but to also see the negative space. Have you ever seen a picture or painting made from positive or negative space? They are quite amazing to behold. There is a popular belief today that we should ignore the negative. For those trying to make ends meet, doing so is poor advice and should not be considered wise council. Both positive and negative space can be amazing teachers and those who learn to see both and will learn to value what God is doing in the world. Not all negative space is “bad” and not all positive space is “good”. See for yourself.
- Give the benefit of the doubt. There is one accuser of the brethren and we are not him and neither is the person(s) you love. We are all very good at demanding and coveting the benefit of the doubt but horrible at giving it. Forgiveness usually follows this effort. When we can understand where someone is coming from, we are more apt to forgive their trespass if it is really a trespass at all. Most of the time, we have somehow felt inconvenienced and feel as though we are owed something or the other person deserves what is coming to them. Neither of these are Christian responses.
- Listen and try to hear what others may miss or notice what others may ignore. Peer beyond the initial presentation. The little things in life are often deep as well.
- In our ever increasing digital world it is easy to think of ourselves as more than human. We must stay the course in our humanity and recognize that our weakness and vulnerability is actually what makes us strong. There may be a day coming when humans interact with drones and robots as we do each other but until that time, we are still relational beings who need relationship in order to remain healthy and engaged with the world.
- Seek God daily. Some of us have made ourselves so busy that just to say hello to God at some point in the day is an afterthought at best. It may seem little or trivial but making time in our hectic lives to acknowledge and talk with God must be one of the achievable goals we set daily. Remember to be thankful. Our very lives are held in God’s hands and He somehow sees fit to keep waking those of us up that are reading this right now. We should be struggling with and wrestling with how, when, where and why to place God first in all we do. When we do, He will supply the reason or the “what”.
- Long for beauty, joy, laughter, inspiration, solace and meaning. Be intentional about looking more into each one of those mentioned.
- Pray! Use the LOCK method: LISTEN for what God may have for you, OFFER what you have for Him, CONFESS your sins, and KNOW that the greatest experience in life is experiencing what God has in store for you. LOCK in your prayers!
- Spend a little time each day knocking out the dreaded paper work that keeps building. Whether it is a bill payment, a letter that needs to be written, a registration form, a response to an email or whatever it may be, dedicate a few minutes each day to completing at least one will build within you an interesting level of personal confidence.
- Unfortunately, for some, “Little Things” may include people. See all people as human beings and treat them with the same regard you would the one you hold in the highest regard. This above all other categories tends to be the most difficult. How we treat others is how we will be treated.
“Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” – Proverbs 6:6-11
The Big things in life are really the little things we have taken for granted!
