The little things in life!                                            Home Page

Downtown Knoxville & Everything West                                                           Print this page

With the crisp autumn air comes change. Change in the weather, change in the landscape,

and if we are lucky, a change of heart.  

Atop that first cool breeze, fall is in the air. Shorts are replaced by cozy sweatshirts and 

suddenly blankets appear at ballgames. Pumpkins are carved to take on their own 

personality, and plans are discussed on how to spend Thanksgiving. 

Family planning for holidays can become quite the event. Who to see, where to go, and 

even what to eat have to be determined. With the many plans to be made, if not careful 

we may over look small things along the way that deserve as much consideration as 

where to go and what to eat. 

Not discounting the big things. In my own extended family, there is trouble and 

heartache. There is job loss, divorce, and personal trials to endure. In our country, there 

is great concern. War, people without jobs, healthcare, stock market woes, the list could 

go on. Those concerns are deserving of time and action, we should all participate in 

bringing about positive change. 

Spending too much time worrying about the big things can reduce life to one of fear and 

constant worry, causing us to miss out on powerful moments that give life deeper 

meaning. 

It is my prayer that my heart will reflect gratitude. For the big things yes, family, home, 

friends, plenty of food and a good job. For those things I am thankful every day. 

However, it’s often the little things in life that deepen a heart of thanksgiving. 

Last week, our daughter came home from high school boasting that a teacher had 

complimented her attitude in class. My husband was greeted in the carpool line being told 

our son had found money at his middle school and turned it in. A friend I have not heard 

from in weeks called to compliment an article that I had written. My friend sent a hand 

written card saying she was thankful for our friendship. My mom has a friend who checks 

on her, and lets us know if she is in need. This list could go on as well. 

Simple kindness is under rated. For each of those mentioned, I am thankful. It causes me 

want to do something kind to someone else. A hand written card can change a life. An 

encouraging word can penetrate a heart. Forgiveness can bring healing. Simple emails or 

texts with a personal message can brighten a day. A smile or friendly hello to a stranger 

can elicit hope. An act of peace in a tense relationship brings about humility. 

With the many decisions to be made of how to spend your Thanksgiving, consider a 

personal change of heart. A heart more aware of the needs around you, a heart quick to be 

the answer to another’s prayer, a heart eager to thank someone else for their kindness to 

you. Take time to not only notice the little things in life, but to be the little thing that 

makes a big difference for someone else.