A Little Change That Makes a BIG Difference

I’m convinced that one of the worst parts about showering is trying to get the water to the perfect temperature.

You’re cold. You’re vulnerable. Water is cascading from the showerhead. And you’re trying to turn the taps so that just the right amount of hot and cold will come out. It’s disorienting to say the least.

And how many times do you have to make minute changes? It’s a constant back and forth of a little more hot, a little more cold, alternating between scalding and lukewarm in a bid to find that sweet spot.

These little adjustments are small—almost imperceptible changes in the turn of the tap—but they make a huge difference!

And you know what? So often in life we’re focused on the big picture, the huge goals that will revolutionize our lives and change our circumstances, when in reality, it’s the tiniest things that are the most helpful. Not only are small adjustments more sustainable, they are easier, gentler, and all in all, more likely to get done.

Today is the last day of January. Snow is still drifting from the whitewashed skies. The world is painted in hues of grey. The days may be getting longer and the light lingers just a little more, but the cold and drear of winter still feel interminable.

If you’re longing for some hope in the dead of winter, whether it’s the physical reality of February or winter of your soul, I’ve got a little adjustment for you!

One thing I’ve learned that always, always helps me to cope with the dark and cling to hope is counting the small goodnesses, the ordinary beauty in my daily life. Yes, your circumstances may be grim, but there is light also, and courage in hidden nooks and crannies!

As we await the dawn of Spring and new life, join me in the counting the blessings of the here and now. God is good. He is here, now. He is with us. And that is an unchanging truth you can hold onto. If we will but open our eyes and look up and around, we will see glimmers of Him in the humdrum of our little, ordinary lives. And even—dare I say especially—in the hard moments of grief and pain.

Every day this February (only 28 short days!) write down three things you’re thankful for.

Or take pictures of three things you’re thankful for.

Or share with a friend three things you’re thankful for.

Write down, photograph, type, or speak these blessings you’re grateful for. It can be simple—the sun came out today, you got to drink your favorite cup of tea, or you had a phone call with a friend—we’re looking for the ordinary things in our regular lives that make life worth living!

We can thank God for what we have at this moment even as we eagerly look forward to Spring, new life, and even further afield, our true Home with God to come.

And if you feel like sharing your moments of gratitude, share it with the hashtag #worshipofthanks so we can rejoice with you and walk this road of life just a little less lonely.

You are loved, friend. This dark night is only a passing thing.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” -Revelation 21:3-5

Together, we can make a little adjustment that will have a big impact on our hearts and minds! Whether you share these blessings to encourage others or keep them held tightly to your chest for safekeeping, practicing gratitude is powerful!

Together, let’s lean into a little bit of light and courage to bolster our hearts this month! We sorely need it, just as we need each other.