The Smallest Things

"Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." – Matthew 10:29-31

Last night the kids and I decided to try one of the newer restaurants near us. They seated us against a wall near a doorway. I was happy at first because I now had a good spot for one of my favorite hobbies, people watching. As I sat down, I immediately saw there was a problem. A halogen light was shining right in my face. All the other bulbs on the track were shining straight down, but this one was cocked to the side shining directly in my face.

There were only three chairs, so I couldn’t simply switch seats. If I moved my chair to the other side of the table my back would be to everyone in the restaurant, and I’d be in the way of all the servers. So I sat there for about ten minutes with the light shining directly into my eyes. It must have been a ten thousand watt super bulb developed by NASA or something. It was beginning to truly hurt my eyes and I said to the kids, "Well, I guess I could cover my eyes!" And just as I put my hands over my eyes, POP! The bulb burned out!

I praised God! I said to my kids "See how much God loves me? He even cares when there’s too much light in my eyes!"

Now you may say it was just a coincidence. You may say that was "cool", but it probably wasn’t God’s work. You may even think God doesn’t have time to take care of the things that are that trivial with war and famine and disease throughout the world. But I have to tell you that from the bottom of my heart I know God took that bulb out of service for me.

He cares about even the smallest things in our lives. If you lose a button on your shirt, God cares. If you are lonely, God cares. If you get paper cut, God cares. If you’ve lost your keys, God cares. If you are stressed about a dirty house, God cares. If you are hurting because your last child has moved out, leaving you with an empty nest, God cares. Nothing in your life that causes you the smallest amount of discomfort occurs without His knowledge and attention.

Matthew 10:30 tells us that He has even numbered the hairs on our head. I love my kids beyond what I can express into words, but I’ve never took the time to try to count and keep track of how many hairs are on their head. Yet each hair that falls from their head causes Him to update His tally. As a mom, it’s very comforting to know God loves them beyond even what I can, and is watching over them that closely.

When things of this life bother you, even the smallest things, don’t hesitate to give them to God in prayer. Crawl up in His lap, unload all your cares, and lean on His shoulders. He will support you. He is on your side.