It's the little things that matter most. Those simple moments add up over time to create a life time of change. I want to continue to do the little things in life that matter most. Time spent with family or on others will always trump work and success.
Little things like game nights, Nerf wars, family time, and even family pictures will be treasured moments in our children's life. Maybe not now, but over time they will understand how the little things were important.
It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and the desire to be and do bigger and better things, but sometimes the small things are what we need to be focusing on. Being faithful in the small things brings about change for the big things.
There is nothing wrong with big dreams, as long as we are still willing to let God use us right where we are in life. And as long as we are not cutting others down in order for us to grow.
Having plans and visions of the future is fine, but sometimes the planning and looking forward can make us miss out on the little opportunities God has for us right around the corner.
This season of life we are learning to embrace change. Change from having a child who is away at college. (Insert sad face for having Easter pictures this year without him.)
Change as our children grow up and experience hurt and sadness. It's good though because the times spent loving and crying with them helps them to grow too.
Making memories together as a family. Building bonds of love that can never be broken. Sharing the love God with others. These are the simple moments in life that we will remember for eternity.
Simple moments can change the world. One little act of love can spread like wildfire and create the bigger change we long to see.
I know for me I want to have open eyes to see the hurt and broken. Being aware of our surroundings so that when the woman in front of us was short on cash, we were able to slip a bill into her hand with a smile. It's these small acts of kindness that make this world a better place for all of us.
But how many times are we distracted in the moment, and we miss out on opportunities like that to bless others?
Sometimes we feel like we have to do it all. We have to be the best and do the most, but in reality it's the simple things that make the most change.
Being kind. Smile. Take time out for someone else. Be real. Look for opportunities to bless others.
What can we do to make someone else's day better???
I love the song Dream Small by Josh Wilson. It's all about living life in the moment. Letting God use you where you are and not missing out on those little things that He places in your life because you are so focused on the bigger and better.
My prayer is that on our way to bigger things, we stay true to the little things along the way. That we teach our children to have those same open eyes to love others as themselves. That they look for ways to pay it forward every day too.
There are opportunities right in front of us every single day. What we say or do can encourage someone's day or put a dent in it.
The chorus of that song says to continue to love, serve, listen, learn, pray, seek, hope, and search for the little things that we can make a difference in.
After all, God used one small stone to bring down a giant. Being willing to be used in small ways is all He asks of us.
Who wants to join me and my family in looking for those simple moments where we can make a difference in someone else's life? One day at a time keep your eyes and ears open to the little things that can be done for others. How can we pay it forward to someone else?
Lanie
Love your recipes and your e mails! Keep up the great work.
Nancy
Hi Jocelyn,
Love this post. It is very true that being kind or one small gesture, a kind word or deed.....might be a small thing to the one doing it but it could mean the world to the person it is directed to. It could change their whole outlook for that day or longer and make the givers day a little special too.
It takes so little just to be nice. Like you said....pay it forward.
Thank you for all you do !
Nancy
Sharon C
I hear every word you say Jocelyn! Very nice post and just like your recipes, this is some good "food" for thought. I appreciate that you are not afraid to speak what's on your heart, and I agree with your sentiments wholeheartedly. Very nice family pics too! Now, on to the more self-serving side of my post, lol!...where did you find that adorable dress? I love tropical print clothing and need to find something to wear to my nephew's First Holy Communion - would love to find something like that dress!
Seriously, thank you for your recipes and for giving me pause to think about what's really important. Have a wonderful week!
Jocelyn
Thank you so much for your sweet comment. I always get nervous before sharing a personal post like this, but I also know that God places these thoughts and words on my heart for a reason, so I need to share them.
My dress is from Target. I believe I got it there about a month ago, so I don't know if they have any more. But they had quite a few varieties of fun and cute prints there. I hope you are able to find something cute and tropical for your nephew's communion. Have an awesome week!
Cheri Morton
please unsubscribe me from your email blasts
Jocelyn
I am so sorry you are not enjoying the emails with my recipes and blog posts. I will miss having you subscribed, but your email has been removed per your request.
Amanda
Just to echo Nancy's words below: "It takes so little just to be nice."
Thank you, Jocelyn, for opening up your life for the rest of us to read. I know no one has a perfect life, but when I look at your pictures and read your thoughts, I think to myself, "wow, that lady is really living. I could only dream of having a life like that." You have a beautiful family, an enormous heart, and an unbreakable optimism that this world needs to see these days. I have a notebook where I jot down some wise and/or inspirational quotes. Now I have one more: "It’s all about living life in the moment. Letting God use you where you are and not missing out on those little things that He places in your life because you are so focused on the bigger and better." You are the type of person that I wish I could meet. I bet you attract a lot of good people in your life with the aura that surrounds you. I can sense it in your writing and that is a powerful gift. Thank you.
Nikki
Beautiful words! It was so nice to meet you this week! These words ring so true with me. My daughter is in college and my son is graduating this year. Time flies by so fast and so many time we miss out on the moment thinking about what’s coming next. Thank you for sharing!
Jocelyn
It was so nice to meet you too. I wish we had had more time to chat a little more. It's so crazy how fast time goes with our kids. I still can't believe our oldest just finished up his first year of college. I still feel like we just dropped him off for his first day of Kindergarten.