My father passed away a long time ago in 1988. However, he wrote notes to himself all over his many notebooks and folders. He wrote a note to himself on one of his file separators that I had set and framed that read, “Remember, its the little things that count!” Quite an important phrase to remember for a Chemical Engineer (as he was). Now, I am not a Chemical Engineer (they say talent skips a generation) but I have tried to remember that often and in many different circumstances. It is definitely relevant to me today as I cannot do the things I used to due to the virus. I hope I will later but right now I try to be thankful for little things: seeing a film I like come on HBO, getting a good night’s sleep, the ability to go for a walk, a sunny day, getting a little further in my financial planning studies! The things that made me happy are not what they used to be!

While its not bad to want more or to look forward to a time when you will be able to do the things you used to (either here on Earth or if its going to be in Heaven), being thankful is good. Success magazine reminds us that gratitude makes one a better leader (https://www.success.com/why-gratitude-makes-you-a-better-leader/).

Success magazine even says it is good if you fake being thankful (https://www.success.com/the-scientific-reason-why-faking-thankfulness-actually-makes-you-thankful/) !!

Certainly the Bible reminds us to be full of hope and to be thankful for the little things we have in front of us.

So during these weird times, spend some extra time with your children, your dog, your spouse, on that project you have been putting off, and definitely spend some extra time in the Word of the Lord and in prayer! You will find yourself thankful for the little things in your life and you may even realize that they are big things.

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

———————————————————-W.