It’s the Little Things

Who would think two words, used often and regularly, could have such an uplifting effect on one’s heart?

Some of you may know I celebrated a birthday on February 15th.

Sooooo many of you took personal time out of your day to give of yourself: to send a card, send a text, drop a present at my house, type/GIF on social media.

Two words Happy Birthday lit my heart up like a birthday candle. The flame flickered all day, keeping my insides warm with the immense sense God was with me. He surrounded me with such blessing. I am still overwhelmed, in the best of ways.

My husband worked Valentine’s Night. Waking up Monday, he got right to work for his wife and headed by himself to the local grocery store. He didn’t expect my text canceling the birthday cake. Since we met, the cake has always been important to me. Yet, for many years I didn’t know why (more about that in my book).

He responded “plan B”. Jason was determined to put candles in something we could enjoy after our Mexican take-out.

We have many random candles in our drawer, open packs and some half-melted numbers.

Jason put these in a pan of brownies:

The hand-picked numbers, of course to match my wonder-full age, are miniature and glittery. For those who don’t know Jason, he hates glitter. Yes, hate is a strong word, but you would know why I use it if you saw him open a card covered in glitter.

But he chose these candles for me, his wife with the glittery shoes.

Tough to see in the photo, but he also bought special napkins. Long, like a dinner napkin but paper, and lightly tealed. This is something I usually do at birthdays/holidays. Special napkins.

Instead, Jason plucked a tiny detail from the care I give others and used it to adorn me with a jewel of joy:

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I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels (Isaiah 61:10).

Then the cards. First, our writer Braedon acknowledged he has seen my increased stress with school and puppy. Braedon wrote he hoped this (birth)day would be enjoyable.

God sees me, and so does Braedon.

As I drew this card from its envelope, my eyes were glued to the couple’s hiking boots. I couldn’t believe this card, how perfect from my hiking and life partner. Inside, Jason wrote, “I think we both know God led me to this card”.

Yes, Lord, you receive all the glory and honor and praise!

It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone (Ephesians 1:11-12 MSG).

Early that morning, a sister called and asked me to come to my porch. In my jams sporting my coffee breath, I went out to see Miss Sylvia, masked-up with a big ole basket full of stuff. She said rather sheepishly, “You can tell I did it on my own.”

My sister putting together a basket on her own tied tight with a balloon meant so much to me. Things chosen by her for me, given.

Much the same way God blesses His chosen. He speaks to us personally, knowing He has given us ears to hear. He knows our every need, and He fills it. In His Kingdom, when a person blesses in His name, so that blessing will be returned in a more glorious way:

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Luke 6:38).

Then one of the evenings, another sister, my other pea (in our metaphorical pod), dropped off a bag stuffed with goodies, for me, for our young men and even for the puppy. Not that I was looking for or needed any type of present, but God gave me friends and family who know how to love me well.

Hope is without a doubt one the main reasons I am writing this first book. Not sure my sister knows that, but God does:

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:19-20).

This post is meant to thank each and every one of you for the little things you did to help me celebrate turning 51.

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Little things could be the flutter of a butterfly’s wings

Little things could be listening to your child sing

Little things could be wrapped with a bow

No matter what, little things always show that you know

The other, the friend, the sister, the mom, the wife

If it weren’t for little things, would big things have life?

God hones in on the little things,

the color of hair, the dimple in our cheeks

the sweaty palms, the joy gone bleak

God knows our words before they reach the air

God holds every tear, receives each heart-whispered prayer

God gives us little things each day

So why would we ever question giving a little thing away?

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More often than not, we doubt ourselves in giving little as we think it only counts to give big. Consider my testimony of the little things. Go forth in confidence that each moment holds an opportunity to show someone they matter.

You matter first to God, then to those of us privileged to know you.

Please reach out to me if you want to know more about Jesus or God. You may email me at juliedibblespeaks@gmail.com. With Jesus in your heart, you will be overwhelmed with thanks at the precious gifts He gives.

In His love and for His glory,

Julie

P.S. all photos in this post are mine 🙂