The Small Things

I have learned to not only appreciate the small things in life but long for them. The moments during the day that make you smile. The moments that make you pause and give a quick thanks to God. We probably don't even realize it, but it's the small things that keep us moving. And most of the time, the small things aren't so small. They change us from the inside out and help us not take anything for granted in this life. Here are a few of my "small things" from this past week...

1. We had 16 guys show up yesterday for practice. I didn't even know we had 16 guys on the team! And most of them were wearing their soccer gear that we've given them this year. We actually looked like a legit team!

2. I laid it out there for the guys on Tuesday. I told them why I was there - that God has sent me here because he wants to do something in this team and in each of them. I told them about my faith and I told them that we are here for them, whatever they need, we are here. I've been praying for boldness and I finally just said it. Why not right? I would be doing them an injustice if I didn't. But the best part about it was that they sat there in silence and watched me talk - they listened. I can't make my words do something inside of them but God can. And then what made me smile was that they clapped at the end. I didn't want an applause but I thought that was so funny that they clapped. At least I didn't scare them off - I mean heck, we had the entire team out there for the next practice! All the glory to God.

3. It was sunny and warm the entire week.

4. I had coffee with a new friend that is the director of an amazing soccer ministry in East Birmingham.

5. I got to worship my Lord in freedom with hundreds of other believers at our church's mid-week service. 

There are probably so many more that by the end of the week I've now forgotten. But I'm going to try to take in those moments more when they happen. I'm going to pause more this next week and smile and thank the Lord for the small things in my life.