I do love me a good dose of symbolism.
Those of you who know me or have spent any time visiting here will not be surprised by that revelation.
So when I saw a tiny eyelash on the wall of our shower surround, sitting all by itself in the middle of white vinyl, I took a moment.
A little odd, I know. I’ve been this way since I was a kid. Always looking for the deeper meaning, the why and how. But lately, I’ve been indulging this pausing and noticing just a bit more.
So this eyelash, as it turns out, served as a reminder. Of love. Of blessing.
This small piece of eye hair had been connected to my husband or one of my three girls. Eyes into which I could gaze for days, eyes connected to people I love with all that is in me, eyes attached to some of my life’s deepest blessing.
I felt reminded in that moment: small is good.
Our world celebrates huge. Loud, massive contributions. World-changing on a super-size-me scale. And thank God for the courage and sweep of the big movers.
But I was reminded as I looked at that eyelash that small and subtle is beautiful.
Last night, Michael fed our girls dinner while I ate out with a new friend from church. When I returned home, he and my daughters were gathered on one bed, sharing what they love and appreciate about each other.
Last night after helping say prayers, give kisses and tuck in for the night, he got to work on budget reports. Four to complete by the next morning, Michael poured over them line by line. Something that makes my skin hurt to think about.
I stayed up with him for a while as he flipped through documents in a manilla folder and tapped on his laptop. Then I headed toward the stairs.
“I got the humidifier set up in the room for you, honey,” he said. “It’s all ready to go.”
This is not the stuff of greeting cards or romance novels, I realize.
But I had not even considered that I would need the humidifier. He had noticed my cough, knew I felt bedraggled and loved me.
One of a hundred small acts of love that Michael releases from his hand and lips daily. Without any desire for attention or acclaim.
He blessed me with small strokes of tenderness and care, small gestures of knowing.
Small can be so very good.
“Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.” — Mother Teresa
Connecting through the power of stories written, spoken and lived
![Sometimes nothing says it quite like the way of a child. Before the rest of the house wakes, I read the account of Easter morning in the Jesus Storybook Bible: "And it seemed to [Mary Magdalene] that morning, as she ran, almost as if the whole world was singing for joy-- the trees, tiny sounds in the grass, the birds...her heart." The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive, and so are we. And it is new. Once again. Yes, it is always new...He is risen indeed!](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/t51.2885-15/s320x320/e35/17934124_1877271335863004_8139172358331039744_n.jpg "Sometimes nothing says it quite like the way of a child. Before the rest of the house wakes, I read the account of Easter morning in the Jesus Storybook Bible: \"And it seemed to [Mary Magdalene] that morning, as she ran, almost as if the whole world was singing for joy-- the trees, tiny sounds in the grass, the birds...her heart.\" The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive, and so are we. And it is new. Once again. Yes, it is always new...He is risen indeed!")
I love to look at my inbox each morning to see if I have received that days meaningful musings and reflections from you. I am never disappointed. Small is really big ! Love, Papa
Thank you, Papa, for the encouragement to keep on writing! Love you!
Ditto what your papa said!! And I love love love the reminder that you brought to us through a wee eyelash – Imagine the overflowing gratitude we would feel if we took notice of the small things, the many tiny miracles in our lives! Small, it turns out, is HUGE! Thank you Ashley! xo
sweet.
Thanks, friend.
Yes, Papa and Mama, the words “small is big” kept echoing through my head as I wrote. And yes, you’re so right — at least I really believe — that paying attention to the small is so key to joy! Love you!
you make me smile. LOVE reading, LOVE you :)
Reebs, thanks so much for coming to visit me here. I am so glad I’ve brought you a smile! Love you!
“Small is big”!! Attitude and gratitude are all about perspective and what we choose to focus on. Thank you for this simple reminder to go out and find the small things that make our love so big!!
Sissy, yes, SMALL IS BIG! I love you and thank you for your dear and thoughtful words.
i’m listening ashley, thanks for sharing.
Enjoyed your writing, Ashley. Great reminder!
Jo
Thank you, Jo. So glad to see you here.
I so enjoy your daily words of joy, gratitude,trust, love etc. Each morning I read them with my morning cup of tea. What a way to start the day – a bright ray of sunshine and a thought to keep in mind in our busy days !!!.
Yes, ” small things” are so precious.
xo Mom
Mom, thank you for your words. They mean so much. Love!
Thank you for sharing your observations and thoughts with us Ashley. Such a blessing. Sue
Thank you so much, Sue.