On my way out of 7-Eleven this morning clutching my free coffee, I had a thought. Little things can tear you down, but it is the little things that can also build you back up. I prayed this morning as I do most mornings. I prayed for a great day. For me to touch people in a positive way. For strength, favor and peace. The prayers are different depending on how I feel when I wake up. Today I was feeling good, just a little tired. I made my normal stop to get coffee and the clerk said, “Is that all you’re getting honey?”
“Yes”, I responded.
“It’s on me honey. Have a good day.”
“Thank you. You too”
Now yes this was something really small, but it made my day.
You know how when something bad happens and you brush it off. Later that day or the next day, something else bad happens. For instance, you get a flat tire. Nothing major, but still annoying as hell. Then later at work, your pen bust on your new shirt. Equally annoying, but still not major. Next day, you can’t get coffee from your favorite spot, 7-Eleven, because someone robbed the store and it’s closed. Ok ok, maybe that wouldn’t bother anyone but it actually happened to me once, so I thought I would throw it in there. Lol. Ok, seriously, the next day you have to leave work early because your kid is sick at school and you must pick them up. Now you are kind of feeling a little like what the hell? Little things. Yet they are starting to add up. It continues like this for the next week or more and you are working toward your breaking point. It seems like something little is always happening and you can’t relax. Urgh….
During this time it is hard to remember all of the little good things that are happening. A customer in the store who pays for your coffee and your donut, just because. Never met him. Your coworker asking you what you want for lunch and its on them. Your boss having flowers delivered to the job for Administrative Professional Day. Your 3-year-old niece inviting you to go on a picnic. And so on and so on. These things can build you up. They are just not as easy to remember.
So to get to the point. As I am coming out of 7-Eleven, $1 richer, all of these thoughts cross my mind. I realize I need to keep a gratitude journal. For as great as I felt in that moment, it was fleeting. Don’t get me wrong, I still had a good day. But every day will not be as such. To allow myself the ability to look on the bright side on these other days, I can keep track of all the small blessings that God has provided for me. I have done this before but fell off after a few days. I am challenging myself and whoever that will read this post to start keeping a gratitude journal. Let’s recognize the little things so that they can add up and build us up. Who’s with me?
P.S.
Not to discredit the bigger things. They are known to impact our week, our month or even a year in a major way. I recently had a selfless, giving individual bless me with a brand new washer and dryer. When I say that could have been written out on at least two pages of my gratitude journal. I hope that you know that in these moments, big and wonderful or little and fleeting, God hears you and is offering some relief from day-to-day annoyances.