Church Of The Small Things

If you know me, you know I’m ALL about the little things.  100 little things matter to me so much more than 1 or 2 really big things.

A note in the mail?  Swoon.

A $5 Starbucks gift card?  Delight!

Spontaneous road trip? #qualitytime tank filled

Though maybe you’re also like me and sometimes get lost in expectations of others, waiting for the “big thing” and missing all the little things along the way.

It happens to all of us.

Enter Church Of The Small Things.

As soon as I heard the title of this book from Melanie, I knew I was a member here. I got my pre-order copy in the mail and was so excited to pack it with me on my beach trip.

Not only was I reading Church of the Small Things and quoting it out-loud to my bestie while sitting on the beach, but she was reading Nobody’s Cuter Than You and quoting it back to me.  (Which is the dearest bestie book if you haven’t read it!)

As I was reading, I immediately started turning down corners of pages to remember, because while I had chilly beverage with me, I didn’t have a highlighter handy on the beach.  Words like this about mercy and grace, and learning them better with age:

Here’s a closer look, from when I got to my highlighter…

Since I’ve recently entered my forties, I can so relate to this. But, if you’re not there yet, I think you’ll relate too. If you’ve read the story of the prodigal son and marveled over the party that was thrown for his homecoming. How could that be, after ALL he had done??  But, grace. I’ve learned that grace over and over through my years.

Though I haven’t celebrated grace with grand parties and feasts, the moments have added up, the lessons have been sweet and that has made a feast.

I’ve missed a lot of little moments, for worrying over the big ones.

But, I’ve also noticed more little moments, and they have certainly been significant.

Hearing someone share a dream with me?
Feast. Because they trust me with the deepest desire of their heart.

Having someone tell me the thing that absolutely crushed them?
Feast. Because they know I’ll hear them and love them through it.

Hashing out decisions and choices working through pros and cons
Feast. Because they believe I have wisdom.

Nothing “grand” about these conversations.  But, those conversations don’t come overnight. They come from spending time with others. From being faithful and vulnerable, sharing the same conversations myself with others.  These moments are significant. They are the places I have been mentored, cheered on, encouraged, re-fueled, consoled and picked back up.  They are the moments I hope I do the same for someone else.

This is where life is grand to me.

In the 1,000 little moments of everyday conversations and living, being mindful to where I am, intentional in my actions.

Church Of The Small Things reminded me of all of these moments, and to treasure them.  Melanie is a gifted writer, weaving life stories and lessons seamlessly. Reading her books is like sitting down for coffee, (or cocktail), with a dear friend. You’ll be so glad you took time in these pages and be renewed in the small things.

They really make life grand.

Tuesday October 3rd Church Of the Small Things will release, so there’s still time to pre-order and receive tons of free goodies to go along with your book!  Click to Melanie’s site and order your book now:

www.churchofthesmallthings.com

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