Sandra Heska King

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big and small things

August 16, 2013 By Sandra Heska King

small things

 

We’re packed up and on our way when he tells me about it.

And it’s big.

Life-changing big.

Take-your-breath-away big.

But this time I stay small and silent.

And I listen.

Do you know we use the same letters to build the words “silent” and “listen?”

And it is this, this big thing, that can build or crush.

It’s my response that can build or crush.

And it’s this thing that brings to mind all the small and petty things that once seemed so big that now fade behind its shadow.

Or am I blinded to them it its light?

We don’t have answers yet.

So for this dandelion, lion’s tooth, moment, we wait small.

And I do the small things.

I pour detergent and bleach and watch whites swish.

I pull squares of toilet paper and clean up another puppy accident.

I walk through too-long grass and dump the pail of balled-up kitty litter in the weeds beneath the sumac that borders the soybeans.

I empty the dishwasher and wipe down the counter.

I send an excited email to a friend who’s seeing big life-changing dreams come true.

I scoop goulash into baggies to freeze for a grandgirl’s picky tastebuds.

I brew a “cup of abundance” in the form of milk oolong and toast the grace of the empty and the small.

And I frisk and fill my thoughts with one small verse.

Still trying to stay small,

Sandy

Joining Lisa-Jo and company as we write free for five minutes on small.

Five Minute Friday

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

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Filed Under: stories and reflections

Comments

  1. HisFireFly says

    August 16, 2013 at 2:22 pm

    you have echoed my heart today
    I am so there…

  2. Melinda Lancaster says

    August 16, 2013 at 2:28 pm

    In all of this I sense a need to pray, so I’ll do that in my very small way. Love you, Snady.

  3. Emily Cook says

    August 16, 2013 at 2:29 pm

    Oh dear, I know this feeing, and I prayed for you when I read this! I don’t know what we would do with our worry if we didn’t have a million little small things to do with our hands while we wait!

    FMF vistor- nice post!
    Emily
    http://www.weakandloved.com

  4. Becky says

    August 16, 2013 at 2:42 pm

    “It’s my response that can build or crash.” Such wisdom and insight there. Thanks for sharing your story and reminding me of the importance of listening. Blessings, Becky

  5. Brandee Shafer says

    August 16, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    I appreciate this message and the reminder that I don’t have to respond right away, or at all. Listening is such a gift. God bless and keep, Sandy.

  6. Mia says

    August 16, 2013 at 4:37 pm

    Dear Sandy
    Amongst all our big dreams and important things we do, it will always be those small tasks done in secret with a heart filled with love that really make a difference!
    Blessings XX
    Mia

  7. Linda says

    August 16, 2013 at 5:37 pm

    It’s so difficult to stay silent in those moments Sandy. I’m trying to learn that life lesson too, because those words – spoken out loud – can never be taken back. I love you friend!

  8. Diana Trautwein says

    August 16, 2013 at 11:11 pm

    Ah, so sweetly, honestly put. With you in prayer, my friend. Hope your weekend is good and as tear-free as possible. Love you.

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