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Reminder: Life is Lived & Relationships Built in the Little Things

 
Life is experienced in all of the thousands of little actions.   We learn trust and how to be in a relationship by all of the little interactions. 

The ups and downs and ins and outs of everyday family life are where the important lessons are learned and transmitted.  Repetition burns them into our minds and hearts.

Neil Anderson states in his book, Discipleship Counseling, “We live according to what we have chosen to believe about ourselves and the world around us, and we are not always aware that we are continuously gathering information that forms, alters and intensifies our beliefs.  Many people cruise through life with a carefree attitude, unaware of how they are being influenced by the world in which they live.”  (P. 79)

The trick is, I believe, is to force my attention and become aware of those little interactions.  To realize my own defense mechanisms, procedural memory and responses and actions involved.

Today I tried to be aware of how I came in the door to greet my husband and son.  My goal was to focus on “being” and not running in like a bull in a china cupboard with expectations and lists in hand.

I tried to focus on my state of mind and not on the next task.  Truthfully, I really really stink at this.   I love the little things that make my family…my family. 

Hearing my husband’s sharpening stone on his knife and his touch on my arm as he brings up the paper towels for me.  Listening to NPR news playing on the radio and the hum of my old ceiling fan. My son- thudding and tripping up the stairs. A burp and the laughter between him and his Dad echo from the family room.  The pile of shoes by the back door and even the round coffee stain, left behind on the ledge is a gift.

What matters today is so much more important then what happened yesterday and what is on the calendar tomorrow.

Today, I’ll enjoy the little things

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