Small Ways

series

Oct 17

We’ve had snow. Several inches that are now heavy and wet; shrinking patches slowly giving in to warmer temps and sunny skies. This is good. It was good when it was coming down, sideways with the wind, because it meant we were snuggled together in the stands, my guy and I, under a thick blanket, shielded by an umbrella, watching high school boys play football in the blizzard. But it’s also good that it’s leaving. Good because the grass is still green under there. Because leaves are still hanging on most of the trees. Because the lawn needs mowing one last time. And, really, because it’s October.

October, where the weather is still (mostly) warm enough to go out and come in without a jacket, where, after a long day of work or hiking or outside chores (or watching a football game), coming in to hot tea, a deep chair, and a footstool is the only thing you can think of doing. Lean back, feet up. There it is.

Small ways. Little things.

I think you know about this (maybe you caught this post?). It seems we’re often taken with looking around for the big things to make the big impact in our home or life. The big plan, the big ticket, the big step. We expect the Big Deal to be the big deal. And rightly so, as the big things are not likely to leave anything but a big wake behind. Big change, big improvement, better life. Yes, yes, and yes.

But the small things? Interestingly, their effects are somehow larger than we think they are, larger than we give them credit for. Larger than we expect. They’re powerful, in fact. Yet simple. Even, perhaps, as simple as a footstool. Think about this: elevate your feet, and suddenly you’re in a deeper place of rest. You’ve slowed down, settled in. Yes, like that. Simple. Reachable. Doable. Small ways. They pack enough punch to change your world, or your day. Or maybe, simply and gloriously, they’ll change your moment.

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Small Ways is a series about small objects, small gestures, small touches. Small ways for living well.