Do you ever catch what you are thinking about, and realise you’ve just spent a big chunk of time fretting about something little? Something that just doesn’t matter very much?
Something I’ve been learning recently is this: little things that don’t matter very much can take up way too much of my emotions and energy.
Little worries with little bearing.
Little things that have already happened, or may never happen at all.
Little irritations that can knock me off balance, and just aren’t worth it.
Little pleasures that may or may not come, but just aren’t very important.
Little Things.
Like a train being late… or feeling a little bit poorly… or even what to wear tomorrow.
I work in ministry, serving Jesus. My life has a purpose that God has given me. My time and energy are limited. So why would I want to waste them on things that just aren’t that important?
I know Satan likes to get God’s servants upset and distracted by things that seem big, but I think little things can be effective, too- because it’s easy to be taken in by them, or not even notice what is happening.
I’ve been noticing it a lot recently. Why am I anxious? Distressed? Sad? Often, it can be because of something that is, in the grand scheme of things, not very important at all. Something that God will cover and sort out, yes, but something that just isn’t worth my time and energy, draining me from what I’m really called to do.
And getting perspective can really help!
Sometimes I think about people in war zones; places where everything is suddenly much more in perspective. What would they value if they could have my life? Freedom. Peace. Family alive, and in a safe place. Abundance of provision for every need.
It puts minor things into perspective.
And so, even more so, does eternity.
Judgement Day… Heaven and Hell… and eternal salvation available to all who trust in Jesus Christ as Saviour and follow Him as Lord.
Billions still waiting to hear of Him.
The things I can do to help them.
My Father has promised to take care of all my needs. That includes the minor things. He’s a good Father and I know He cares about details, too.
But I bet He doesn’t want little things draining me and dragging me down. They’re just not worth it.
And I think that insight, with practice, could free up a whole lot of time and energy- and lead to a lot more peace! 🙂
Caroline Abblitt 