“It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” Laura Ingalls Wilder

Mondays are usually days to start over – to put a new perspective on things – to forget about last week and dig into this one. I had the pleasure of sleeping for almost twelve hours last night. This doesn’t happen often for me. I’m usually up with the sun, which is getting up earlier each day. I started a new plan last week, to get out and walk so I don’t become completely addled. Getting out early allows me to avoid the heavy, polluted air which seems to be caressing June lately. When I rose at 6 AM, I saw that it was raining and decided to go back to sleep. I didn’t wake until 10 AM. It’s the little things that get me excited these days.

Yesterday, after church I decided to stop for a few groceries I needed. While eyeing the goodies in the bakery, I met another lady who was waiting to have her bread sliced. She spoke to me in broken English. “Americans don’t know what good bread is.” I agreed. When I buy a loaf, it turns black before I can finish it. We continued chatting with some small talk. Suddenly, she looked me straight in the eye and said, “You look so much like my grandmother.
I wasn’t quite sure how to take that.  I probably looked pretty bedraggled since it was at least 110 degrees in my un-airconditioned car. I certainly old enough to be anyone’s grandma. I’ve also been told I look like someone else on occasion.

As she said those words, I could see little tears welling up in her eyes. “You miss her, don’t you? God bless you.” At those words a sea of tears ensued. She grabbed her bread and thanked me for taking time to talk with her and for reminding her of her grandmother. I felt a special honor had been bestowed on me and was grateful for her sharing that moment with me. God put us together in that short span of time for a purpose.

It really is the little things that matter after all. Everything God pours into our lives has more meaning than we often grasp. Today is Monday. Look for the little things in life. It may be something as insignificant as a pat on the back, a hug, a word of kindness. We need each other. It’s time to start realizing that.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!