We often greet the new year with lots of new plans, sometimes big plans. We think big and dream big and hope big, banking on the unspoiled time ahead to bring us something new and better. Sometimes that happens in a big way, but our lives tend to be made up of lots more little things that big things. And that’s not so bad, because the little things do matter, and when we take the time to notice them, we realize big things might be taking care of themselves.

I noticed a little thing not long ago in my living room – maybe not worth even remembering, and yet it’s still crystal clear in my mind. Unexpected and unscripted, to me it said volumes.

As my boys have gotten older, it’s tough to get everyone together anymore. But we were having some much delayed family time for my son’s birthday a while back. We gathered around for a video and ate lots of tacos and cake. The boys used their “special” trays I painted for them long ago to hold their heaping plates of food. We laughed at the animated antics of Ice Age and enjoyed the warm fire.

When my younger stepson got up to go to the kitchen, he gathered his dishes and then, without a word, also picked up my son’s, the only other ones still in the room. My son quietly said, “thank ya, bud,” and then carefully folded both of their trays and placed them back where we stack them when not in use. That was it.

I know…you think I’m crazy. That was a very little thing. But to me, it was also consideration, gratitude, kindness, camaraderie – all in a simple act that I’m quite sure neither of my boys even remember. But I remember, because maybe it means the big thing of their relationship, their ease with each other, their future is probably ok.

And I encourage you to make a special effort this new year to take note of the little things that happen between your family members, too. Notice when someone is kind or gentle, thoughtful or forgiving. So many times we’re focused on the bad things – big and little – that go wrong in our families. And sure, we have to deal with that. But it helps when we can grasp onto those good little things, and good big ones, too, when we’re blessed to have them.

The little things are usually more frequent, though, and if we’ll only pay attention and take note of them, the free and untainted year ahead of us will be better, framed by our memory to light the way. I wish you a year of many good little things!

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'Til next month . . . .

Warmly,
Karon
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