God is in the Details

Jesus noticed the little things of life.  In Mark 12:41, He watched the crowd as they put their money into the temple treasury.  He saw the wealthy putting in large amounts.  He could have then just walked away--the money clinked as it hit the other coins and that would have been that.  But He tarried, and a poor widow made her way to the box.  He saw exactly what she put in:  "two very small copper coins."  Worth ever so little, but these wee coins caught the Savior's attention.  Why?  Why does He notices such little things?  Why does He comment on how not even a sparrow, which costs very little, will not fall to the ground without His Father's notice?  Why does He honor even a simple cup of cold water, given to a little one, and deems it worthy of a reward?

The little things are so easily overlooked.  Yet, they speak volumes of our Father's care.  These pictures are of snow forming into crystals.  Why?  As the water in the form of ice remains on the ground, it grabs water molecules from the air, and the small crystals start growing.  They grow so much, we can start to see their structure:  they look like branches of a pine tree.  Look at the edges and you can see the wee trees of ice.  Beautiful, delicate and easily overlooked.

The longer the ice crystals are exposed to the air, the larger they grow.  But they start small, almost imperceptible.  Our first hint of the beauty to come is how we see mini-rainbows in the snow--glinting in the sun, and looking like tiny diamonds scattered across the white raiment of winter.  But as time goes on, the crystals not only grow but reflect more and more light and dazzle us with their rainbow display.

God and His care is in the details all around us:  the smile of a baby, the diamonds in the snow and the whispers of love He sends to you and me.  The longer we are in His Presence, the more we grow, reflecting His light and making the winter snow a thing of beauty.  His work in us starts small, and may be almost imperceptible, but He is faithful: "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:6). 

His beauty is growing in us, as long as we stay in the light of His love.  Be patient.  Look at a sparrow, catch the beauty of the snow, and remember:  He is watching everything, down to the finest details:  "He who keeps you will not slumber."  (Psalm 121:3).  We are worth so much to Him. 

Prayer:  Father of Lights:  I don't always see the work You are doing in me, but beautiful things take time.  The longer I am in You, the more I will reflect You.  Help me to keep my eye on the little things and not forget that You see them too.  I may be small, but in You, I am mighty.  In Your Son's precious name, Amen.