This Life of Little Moments

Sunday Afternoon: Nathan and I are watching a segment of Paul David Tripp's video series entitled What Did You Expect? - "Redeeming the Realities of Marriage." In that segment, Tripp explains that the vast majority of our lives takes place in little moments. Waking up. Brushing teeth. Eating meals. Daily conversations. Interacting with children. Driving to work. Exercising. Cooking. Cleaning. Reading. So, why is it then, that we tend to measure our lives by the very few big moments in life? Anyone can look great on graduation day, be happy on their wedding day, and speak eloquently at that retirement ceremony. But, it takes a different kind of person to wake up joyfully in the middle of the night with a crying baby, or remain patient while waiting in hours of traffic, or speak respectfully to their spouse after a painful disagreement. "It is how we handle the little situations, not the big ones, that reflect our true character," Tripp so accurately states.

Monday Afternoon: I'm baking bread in the kitchen while listening to the book, Practicing the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence. Through his conversations and letters, Lawrence describes the beauty of a life which practices the presence of God in every waking moment. When we not only know that God is with us throughout the day, but also think on Him and converse with Him, we are so much more likely to act in a way that would please Him. If we've just been thinking on and thanking God for his abundant patience with us, it will be natural for us to turn around and be patient with our child who just spilled his milk all over the kitchen floor.

Tuesday Morning: I'm sitting in the living room doing my daily homework for a Bible study by Beth Moore entitled, Breaking Free. The focus of the day is on reflecting the glory of God in everything we do. She takes me to Colossians 10:31, "Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God." She states, "God desires to be recognizable in us in all that we do! A life the glorifies God is a life that reveals God."

Tuesday Evening: I'm in a circle of ladies from Grace Fellowship Church and, I kid you not, we are studying the last half of Colossians chapter three, meditating on phrases like, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus," and "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men...you are serving the Lord Christ." We discuss what it looks like to do everything in the name of Jesus, to bring glory to God in the little moments of life.

Wednesday Morning: I sit down to write, and I can think of nothing else. God is teaching me how to serve the Lord Jesus, how to glorify Him, how to practice His presence in this life of little moments. Perhaps He wants you to know, too, dear reader, that the depth of your character is revealed in how you eat and drink. Do you know that you serve the Lord Jesus in how you talk and drive and brush your teeth? Do you know that you reflect the glory and the presence of almighty God through the way you clean the house?

This life is one of little moments. Your days are fleeting. Redeem each moment for the growth of your soul and for the glory of God.

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Colossians 3:17