The little (& big) things in life...

I was reminded on my way home from work tonight of how important it is to take time to be thankful for the little things in life.

I had meetings this morning which were not very fun, but everything was cheered up by a visit to Costco of all places. I received a call this morning at 8 am sharp from a delightful member of Our Saviors inviting me for a "hot dog run." Costco is known for its stellar deals on bulk items, but in Mesa, it is especially known for its $1.50 special: a hot dog or polish sausage and refillable drink. It's quite popular among the senior residents of the area. So I convinced Matt to join me and our friend for lunch and some good laughter...all because of hot dogs. It was a little thing, but it was wonderful.

I spent the afternoon writing for my online class (I am so glad this is the last week!), and just as I was headed out for the day, I was notified that one of our church members was in hospice and was failing. The family requested a visit from a pastor, so off I went. It wasn't a short commute so I ended up being able to catch up with a good friend and reminisce about CPE and process some things about internship together. It was a little thing, but it brightened my day.

The visit at hospice was hard. I don't particularly think I have gifts for ministering to those in the last stages of life, but on days like today, there really isn't a choice. And so I sat with him and his family for a while and mostly listened. As those of us who have spent time with someone who is actively dying know, there is usually a period of time between the time a person loses consciousness and the body shuts down. It is a waiting game for many families--they want their loved one to stay alive, yet they want the suffering to come to an end. It is not a comfortable place to be for anyone, let alone a stranger sent to provide pastoral care. Yet in that place today, something magnificent happened.

As I heard the laborious breathing of their loved one, I was privileged to hear their beautiful memories of the family's life together. Some were sad, many were funny, all were sacred moments. It was a little thing for me to do--to show up in that room this afternoon, to listen, and to remind them of God's promises. Still, by some standards I didn't do a whole lot. I didn't solve any of their problems or take away any of their pain. But I did witness to a big thing in their lives through comforting and offering support to people who are grieving the loss of a special man. Everyone deserves that care whether that is through pastors or friends or family or doctors or hospice workers.

Anyway, today was a good reminder of how closely the little things and the big things can sometimes be related.

Take care--
HGJ