It's In The Little Details

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Last night after dinner, my mom was holding our family dog Mango and I heard her say, "it's in the little details".  She was referring to Mango's crochet sweater that he was wearing.  These days, I feel Mango has better fashion sense than I do.  Mango had on a beautiful sweater and my mom was admiring it.  Earlier that day, we had a guest come to the house and Mango was dressed to be the host with the most.  What my mom didn't know was when she said those five words, it made me prick up my ears.  This made me think of this past semester when my teacher Will Ford taught us the Hebrew word "qashab", which means to prick up the ears, be attentive, listen.  More on this word later.  First, let me explain why these five words meant so much to me and were the perfect seal to end the day.

 

Rewind to earlier that day, about 1:30pm.  I went to my workplace to get some things done and to drop off coffee for my friend Laura who was working.  We caught up a bit on life and I shared with her how I had been feeling down.  I also mentioned how unprepared I felt for my upcoming mission trip.  Laura is a great listener.  She allows me to talk without interruption.  And I feel like she understands and validates my feelings.  She mentioned how busy my life was and how I don't really get a break.  We also both understood how Satan can attack us, especially before a mission trip because he hates us doing God's work.

 

Laura prayed for me and I felt better.  I never really understood prayer before but now I can say it's wonderful when someone asks if they can pray for you.  There we both were, eyes closed, focused on God.  Talking to Him, giving it to Him.  Transparent, vulnerable, and knowing that He knows all and He cares.

 

After I left work, I went to REI to get deet mosquito spray for my mission trip.  I got two spray bottles because I was worried about running out.  I also got a Nalgene bottle.  I was starting to feel the stress come back but I told myself to focus on the task.  When I went to check out, the girl at the register said because of my membership, I actually get a dividend and not only did I get my items for free, she gave me extra cash.  "You get paid to shop with us," she said with a smile.

 

I texted Laura to tell her the good news and she responded with, "Little blessings to show you He is involved in tiny details.  Even water bottles and mosquito repellant.  If He is there for you in those small things- He cares about the things that worry you most that much more."

 

When I went home, I felt good so I organized my book shelf, something I have been wanting to do.  Another task crossed off.  It reminded me of the book, 90 Lessons For Living Large in 90 Square Feet.  The author, Felice Cohen, lived in an apartment about the size of a Honda Accord for five years.  In her book, she gives 90 tips to be organized.   

 

Lesson 2:

The only way to begin is to begin.

Pick a starting point, like your sock drawer or belts or kitchen spice rack, and just work on that. 

Even a little dent makes a difference.

 

Now you understand why I qashab when, at the end of the day, my mom said "it's in the little details".  It felt as if God was speaking to me and reminding me He is with me.

 

If you are feeling anxiety/stress, I share with you a couple of things that are helping me.

 

1. Give yourself a goal for that day and do it.  It can be a simple task.  You will feel a sense of accomplishment.

 

2. Pray.  God listens.  I know you may not feel like He does or that He doesn't care but He does.  He cares so much and He truly does prick up His ears when you say His name.  He loves us that much and He will find His special way to communicate with you.  When you're so upset and lost and don't even know what to say, just speak out loud the name "Jesus".

 

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. Psalm 61:1 

 

 

Thank you REI for the freebies.  You should get a membership!

 

Mango modeling his nice sweater.

I am grateful for my Heavenly Father, my sweet supportive loving parents, and my caring and Godly friend Laura.