Little Things

O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endure forever.

  -Psalm 107:1

Little Things

God is not

the dusty leather-bound book

with its tattered pages and faded words

sitting on a shelf displayed.

A family heirloom of four generations,

but do you know it?

Can you quote your favorite verse?

God is not

the cross that dangles

at the base of your neck.

He is neither the silver nor the gold.

It is only a reminder.

That charm cannot save you.

God is not

the empty promises,

the beg of pardon from sins

that we regurgitate on Sunday morning

after a Saturday night

of partying with our friends.

No, you find him more

in the little things.

He is the fog of breath

left on a frosty windowpane. 

You draw a picture in it

and walk away.

The picture is still there

even after the breath fades away.

He is the sweaty print

On the linoleum floor,

left by a baby’s first step. 

The imprint will die

but it is the first of many

to grace your floor.

He is the weed

that grows at your feet.

To it no attention do you heed.

It may not be the most perfect flower,

but he put it there, just the same.

God is

the dimple in your smile,

the sweat of your brow,

the dirt of labor under your nail.

It is in the little things

where we might find

the simplicity of God’s grace shine.

Do not move so quickly,

Watch details be etched in time. 

LTM 1/11/01

Creator of all, let us see you. Guide our eyes, our ears, our minds, and our hearts so that we might find you, not only in the grandeur of mountains, but in the simplicity and quietness of a blade of grass.  Help us to help others look hard for your gifts found everywhere, in boldness and in subtlety.  In Jesus name, amen.