It's the Little Things

Life really is all about the little things. My mom has a framed quote in the hallway that says "enjoy the little things for one day you will realize they were the big things." The older I get the more I see this to be true. Relationships especially are built on little moments. One of the most well-known verses in the Book of Mormon says "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." so this week I put together a collection of little moments that made a big difference. 

Random Cookies

First was studying for an exam Jaden made our favorite chocolate chip cookies and brought me one, it's such a small thing but made my day and increased my love and appreciation for a caring husband that loves and appreciates me. It's common especially in the church to want to take treats to people struggling that we minister to but how often do we randomly give kindness to people in our own home?

Dad's Anniversary Gift

Mom and Dad's 30th anniversary is coming up and Dad had an idea of what some could consider a small and simple idea for a gift but I thought it was so sweet. Because I'm writing this way after the fact I'm going to just write what it is without fearing to ruin the surprise for Mom. Dad wanted to collect photos of him and my mom over the years and put them into a photo album. I challenged him further to find a picture of every year they had been married and write down 30 reasons why he loves her and I'd put them next to each picture as I helped him design the book online. It turned into a family affair as we waited for my mom to go to St. George with some friends and then Bridger FaceTimed me as he and dad went down to the craft room in the basement and started collecting pictures. We laughed and old pictures and it made me think about how 30 years of marriage is a long time. Built out of so many little moments, good and bad, happy and sad, difficult and easy, growth and setbacks. But I'm so grateful for my parents and their teamwork in raising Bridger and me. I thought it was so sweet to all be a part of it and to look through the little moments and little things my dad loves about my mom.  

Virtual Birthday

It was my boss' 40th birthday so my coworkers and I bought him a Theragun with a note that it should help him with the aches and pains of turning 40 and working with us. Virtual celebrations are kind of tricky but we did our best. Little gestures of appreciation can happen no matter the distance, time zone or resources. I'm grateful to be on a supportive team that celebrates and appreciates each other 

School Registration 

Along this same vein of caring from long distance Jaden and I hopped on FaceTime and helped Bridger with his registration for school. I'm glad Jaden also went to Weber State because their registration platform is way different than the U's and SUU's so it was nice for him to know exactly how to help Bridger build out a plan for future semesters as he dives into his undergrad. These are little things that we can do even when we live thousands of miles away. Technology makes it so easy to reach out, help and stay connected to people we love. In little ways that make a big difference. 

Apple Butter Muffins

I made muffins with apple butter for Sunday dessert this weekend and they were really yummy. That one little ingredient packs a punch and was so good! 

Slippers for Jaden

Jaden has wanted slippers to wear around the house so this week when I went to Target I decided to get him some, and he absolutely loves them. Another reminder of a little thing that can make a big difference. Listen to what people say and randomly surprise them with something they said they want/need. It makes both of your day, even if it's just a pair of moccasins from Target. He loves them and looks more and more like his dad every day. Look at him washing dishes in his garment top and new slippers, again so helpful and thoughtful. 

Love Your Neighbor

Sometimes I get tired of seeing signs in people's yards but I really loved the reminder on this one outside of a church. It's pretty blurry but it says: 

"Love Your Neighbor.

Who doesn't look like you

Think like you

Love like you

Speak like you

Pray like you

Vote like you. 

Love your Neighbor. 

No Exceptions."

Those are all little reminders that can make a big difference. It is so easy to be kind and caring to our friends, family and loved ones, our neighbors that know us and are like us. But what about our neighbors that are different from us? I think so many of the issues in the world today could be remedied by more Christlike kindness administered in small doses by people like you and me. And then by paying it forward it would spread. I know I can't change the world but I like to think I can have an impact in people's worlds as I try to be kind and show love to my neighbor in small and simple ways.