Before moving to Florida, I was teased about the alligators and warned that there were bears next door to our community as we are alongside a wildlife preserve. Those are pretty big animal sightings to get used to! However, Dave and I were heading home when two Sandhill Cranes crossed the road. We are used to the deer in Whiting, not seeing large birds walking in front of our car! Later that day I was talking to a neighbor and stood in her grass to get out of the way of a passing golf cart. I began to feel little stings on my foot. As I looked to see what was happening, I saw nothing. I figured something came, took a bite, and left. But then there was another little sting. Looking closer I saw small ants invading my shoe! No one warned me of these little insects that pack a mighty bite! They are barely visible until they attack.
I know there is a book that is titled “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”. Maybe you’ve been told not to sweat the small stuff too. As I think about my own walk with Jesus, I need to be just as aware of the big things that can trip me up, as well as those small things that can come into my life and be just as devastating. As Christ-followers, I believe we need to be diligently looking for the little things that creep into our lives, not just the big things we can easily see as dangerous and avoid.
How about you? Are you aware of what surrounds you today? Both the big and the small can lead us to respond poorly, cause us to act from our flesh, or allow our testimony to be tarnished. While we avoid the obvious pitfalls, we would be wise to look every once in a while, to see if little things are gaining any ground in our lives.
As this challenging year comes to a close you and I may want to reflect on what has hindered our walk. Before a new year begins do you see big obstacles to remove or are there little pesty things that need to be exterminated before they get any bigger?
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 91:4 ESV
Blessings,
Kathy
Written by Kathy Withers: Kathy Withers is on staff at America’s Keswick and serves in Partner Care. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 35 years. They have two adult children. Kathy encourages women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.
