thankful in simplicity.

As the hurricanes roar on the east coast, I feel extremely blessed to be sitting in my dry home with nothing to complain of but the steady rain. Oregon is so incredibly mild weather-wise; it is hard to believe from here that floods and fires and snowstorms are happening. My heart goes out to those who have been in the path of Hurricane Sandy--you are in my prayers. 

The thought of fellow citizens going through so much loss and devastation brings me back to how important the little mundane, simplistic details of life really are. I get up, I read my Bible, I get dressed, I feed the chickens, etc., etc.--it can begin to seem monotonous, but what if I lost it all? What if I had no Bible to read? What if I could not get up; had not the strength walk the path to the chicken coop, or carry the feed? It puts life in a different light.

So many times we think, "If only I were somewhere bigger, better--I could do so much!" We are often discontent with where God has placed us, right now, thinking we are justified in silently wishing for more. Yet isn't it the small things that prepare us for the larger? 

...And quite frankly, I would rather be feeding my own little red hens as the sun rises in my own little part of Oregon than making it big in New York City right now.

Literally. 

Remember those who are in New York City and across the East Coast today, though, and also remember that you are a part of God's plan, wherever you are at this moment. 

"If you are faithful in the little things, you will be faithful in the larger ones. But if you are dishonest in the little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities."

(Luke 16:10)