One of the songs I wrote for my better half, four years ago this past May, is called, “It’s The Little Things”. The words are as follows:
It's the little things
We remember from the past.
It's the little things
That make our love last.
It's the little things
That put a smile on our face.
It's the little things,
Those things we can't replace.
It's the little things
That put a tear in our eye.
It's the little things
We remember bye and bye.
It's the little things
That warm our dear ole heart.
It's the little things
We remember when apart.
Memories are usually made without thought. Normally, we do not consciously go through life trying to make memories, as you would manufacture parts in a factory. “Okay, I made 214 memories today. What’s my total for the week so far?” But what could it hurt, if we made ourselves more aware, that what we do now is a memory tomorrow. That could definitely help.
I think memories are basically three types; small (seemingly unimportant, just the little things), medium (worth remembering), and large (major happening). Your wedding day could certainly classify as “large”, and perhaps the doctor visit could be “medium”, as long as it was uneventful. You would be surprised at what we could call “small” or seemingly unimportant … just little things.
Very often in life, it is the little things that mean so much. More often than not, when I reminisce, it’s the little things I think about, not necessarily the big events. I suspect you are the same. In the present, we make our memories for the future when we think about the past. We should live every minute with that thought in mind, because we can either make memories that bring a tear of joy to the eye or a tear of sadness. Further more, and perhaps even more important, we are also making memories for others who are associated with us, like our spouse, our children, and others.
When thinking back to when I was a child, it’s usually the little things that come to mind, whether my thoughts are on family or school for example. Strangely enough, they always outweigh the so-called “important” events. Thankfully, they are happy memories that bring a tear of joy to the eye, so to speak. I realize I am fortunate, because many may not have pleasant memories of the little things in the past.
When I think about my children growing up, little things come to mind. My, my they just grew up too fast.
I recall the wonderful years that I have been blessed to spend with my dear wife, and again, all those moments of “the little things” burst forth. Again, I sympathize with others who may not have this pleasure.
What kind of memories are you making for your spouse? Can they sit alone in the quiet stillness of the night and recall with a smile little things you have experienced together? Can they be so touched by the little things you have done for them or said to them, that a tear of joy comes to their eyes? What have you done to provide sweet memories for the one you love, the one who should be the closest person to you on this earth?
What about your children? The greatest gift you can give them isn’t a cell phone, or a computer, or a car. The greatest gift you can give them is yourself, specifically your time. How about an honest compliment? Maybe laughter would be nice too.
Have you ever thought about others, such as your parents or grandparents? We grow up and get on the merry-go-round of a fast-paced world, and often forget those that love us without condition. When was the last time we visited them? Was it quality time? Little things mean a lot to them also.
An example of a little thing in my life that caused me to not drive fast as a teenager goes like this; I hitched a ride home from a birthday party with a friend of mine. Neither of us was old enough to drive, so his older brother picked us up and took us home. I don’t recall why, but his older brother talked about driving sensibly, and his driving backed up what he was saying. I never forgot that, and never got “stupid” while driving as a teenager.
Could it be that God is taking note? There is no question that we are living in a time when life speeds by like a bullet. That is all the more reason to slow down, and not get caught up in it.
One of the biggest detriments to our lives is our work, but which is more important, our work, or our family? Yes, I hear you. “We must work to eat. We work to provide for them. They should appreciate what I do for them.” That is all true, but it doesn’t change the fact that you are making memories now, for yourself and those you love, that cannot be changed later. “I’ll do it tomorrow” is usually too late, because “tomorrow” seldom comes.
Another major detriment, which may be the greatest, is selfishness, or self-centeredness. We have become very selfish in our modern world. Read the news, to consider one source, and you’ll see what I mean. If this isn’t the antithesis of what Jesus showed us by example, then nothing is. This attitude saturates the television screens in all our homes. It is on open display in the department stores. It thrives in the work place. It breeds in the heart. It is not of God.
The little things are important in our personal lives. They may not make the front page to some, but they bring a smile and a tear to those who are thinking about all those little things.
One recalls the encouraging words of a teacher. A young lady remembers, as a young girl when her Dad would actually get down in the floor with her and sip the make-believe tea she made just for him. A man smiles thinking about those times as a lad, when Mom would soothe the hurt from his cuts and bruises. A husband still smells the trees from a walk in the park with his best friend, his wife. A wife remembers so well the comfort from her best friend, her husband, as he comforted her when she was down. None of these are significant to anyone else, but to the one thinking about those little things, they are a priceless treasure.
As you are readily aware, examples of the little things we remember are ad infinitum. So how much enjoyment are we providing to others when they think about the little things in their past?
Grant Phillips
