Sometimes it’s the little things that stress me out. . . like serving the perfect punch at a reception for my new boss.

I spent far too long sifting through recipes, trying to find a beverage that would be delicious, but easy to make.  A few of my brain cells got damaged while trying to calculate how many cups each one would make.

And then there was the question of how to serve it. . . use the beautiful decanter in the closet at work or go with traditional punch bowls?

(I know, I’m sounding like “Martha” in the “Mary and Martha” story.) [1]

I finally decided it would be easier to facilitate the beverage with punch bowls . . . (one could be out on the serving table while I prepared a second batch in the kitchen.)

Ah, but would there even be two punch bowls in my workplace’s kitchen by the time of the party?   I knew they had a way of disappearing.

Not wanting to take the chance of being short a punch bowl, I decided to swing by the Goodwill store over the weekend.

I was already exhausted from a busy morning of errands when I pulled into a surprisingly packed parking lot.  The “50% off everything” sign explained it.

As I entered the store, I was overwhelmed by the long check-out lines and aisles filled with customers.

Fighting the urge to turn about-face, I whispered, “Lord, if there is a punch bowl somewhere in this store, please help me find it.”

I maneuvered past the clothing racks to the back of the building where a garage-sale like collection of houseware items was on display.  I wearily began scanning the shelves.

Suddenly, I saw it . . . a beautiful punch bowl tucked on a lower shelf, complete with cups and a ladle.  I quickly snatched it.

Carefully cradling the prize in my arms, a woman a few feet away interrupted my private celebration and said, “there’s another one without cups in the next aisle.”

I thanked her, and sure enough, discovered a “bonus” punch bowl exactly where she described.

As I waited my turn to check out, I felt joyful. .  . and cared about.   Not only had God led me to a punch bowl, he prompted a perfect stranger to point the way to a second one!  (And to top it off, they were half price!)

Sometimes we think God has His hands full with more important issues.  He couldn’t possibly care about the small details in our lives. . .but He does!

I always love watching the tiny sparrows in my town flit about, because they remind me of Luke 12:6-7.  It says, “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them.  And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” (NLT)

As the old hymn says, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.” [2]

Not only does God know about the details in our lives, He invites us to ask Him for help, no matter the situation.

I Peter 5:7 says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (NLT)

No request is too large . . . or too insignificant. 

God is big enough to handle the small stuff, too.

So don’t hesitate to pour out your heart before God. . .whether your burdens are king-sized or pint-sized! He’s always listening, and what matters to you, matters to Him.

By the way, the punch was a hit at the reception.  My boss’s boss even asked for the recipe!

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[1] Luke 10: 38-42

[2] “His eye is on the Sparrow,” Writer, Civilla D. Martin, Composer Charles H. Gabriel

Related verses:

“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 (NLT)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 37:23 (NLT)

“The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”  Psalm 121:8 (NLT)