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“What if it’s the little things that make a big difference?”  That’s the tag line for Melanie Shankle’s latest book Church of the Small Things.  With her Dave Barry-esque humor, the author challenges us to embrace the mundane.  To stop living for the grand gesture, mountain top type moments and realize the importance of our daily, faithful routines.

Toward the end of the book, Shankle (affectionately known to her fans as Big Mama), shared a quote from her daughter’s 7th grade English final:  “some people stand out more than others, like neon posters on a beige wall.”  She went on to explain that we don’t always take notice of the beige wall, but it is the thing that holds up the neon poster.  The beige wall allows the neon poster to shine bright.

I have the privilege of being married to a beige wall.  My husband is introverted and even-tempered.  He will never be called the life of the party.  He is a meat and potatoes, non-creative who prefers TV to books.  He doesn’t have money or power or a postgraduate degree.  What he does have is the respect of everyone who knows him.

Two different times this past year, Chuck found himself out of a job.  Both times he secured employment in relatively short order because someone he knew pursued him.  Not the other way around.  That’s what happens when you quietly live a life of integrity.  When you are genuine and warm and love others the way Jesus does, people want to be in community with you.  When you are hard-working, honest and loyal, people want to work with you.

In contrast, Chuck has two neon poster kind of kids.  His son is a med school student who has never met a stranger.  He’ll soon be a doctor with bedside manner to spare.  Our daughter Allie is an outgoing 7th grader with personality for days.  She is loud, fun-loving and infuriating.  She sings, acts, makes straight A’s, plays ukulele and volleyball.  And although I’m not as bright and shiny as the kids, I might categorize myself as a pale pink poster – somewhere between neon and beige.  I am social, like to crack a joke, and am creative – if only in my writing.

My husband hold us all up.  He is our physical, financial and emotional support.  He keeps us on a more even keel than we would keep ourselves and brings us down to earth when we get too big for our britches.  And he is our biggest cheerleader – shouting louder than anyone for the accolades, accomplishments, milestones and volleyball games.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote of feeling like nothing was truly safe anymore.  You can find that post here.  Although I am already rebounding about life in general, even then, my husband was a safe place.  When everything else seemed to be crumbling around me, WE felt stronger than ever.  For this, and for so many other things, it is my privilege to be the one cheering HIM on.

I am so grateful for my strong, supportive, beige wall.

Did anyone watch the State of the Union Address this week?  That one question has the power to bring people to verbal – and maybe physical – blows.
In this climate of warring factions and threatened government shutdowns, I’m using my blog to unite us all.  I present, 10 things we can all agree on:

1.  The Flu is awful this year.  It has been no respecter of persons or vaccines.  May God bless us all.
2.  “This is Us” is the best show on television.  If you can’t bring yourself to get on board, I may have to question whether the vote of a cyborg counts, because you obviously have a cold, dead heart.  Exhibit A – it’s coming on after the Super Bowl this week.  Exhibit B – your social media feed every week filled with feelings, tears and the like.
3.  Personal mail is exciting.  When most communication is digital and most snail mail is bills and advertisements, all heart rates perk up at the sight of a card-shaped envelop or hand-written address.
4.  Parents will do just about anything to alleviate the suffering of their children.  This may have occurred to me because of the Flu, heart procedures, seizures, and friends caring for cancer-battling warriors right now.
5.  It’s easier and tastier to up your nutrition game than it’s ever been.  You no longer have to go to specialized grocery stores or eat things that taste like cardboard to lower calories and increase vitamins and minerals.  Healthier options are readily available at most grocery stores and many restaurants.  I’m not saying it’s all good (sample a few protein bars and you’ll know it’s not), but some things may surprise you.  I’m looking at you, garlic roasted broccoli.  And I’m winking at you, Halo Top Ice Cream.  Which leads me to…
6.  Eating unhealthy is delicious.  Everyone needs a cheat every once in a while.  A life lived without a french fry or an occasional pizza (and not one on a cauliflower crust) is not worth living.
7.  Texas is too hot in the summer.  I know it’s early February, but the temps are already reminding me that our always too-short winter is almost over.  Some of you would call readings in the 50’s and 60’s spring.  But we are still donning our boots and scarves because they will soon be packed away for the next 9 months.
8.  The ability to shop online has changed our lives and the landscape of retail forever.  If you don’t believe me, check out this list of the Top 10 Sellers on Amazon with products varying from camping equipment to baby clothes.  The picture of the Shaxea Bodywear Mens Slimming Shaper on page 2 makes me giggle.
9.  Water is important.  Without it, we cannot make coffee.  I’m only sort of kidding.  Even if you don’t like coffee, you drink water.  Or some drink made of water.  Or something.  We all need it.
10.  There is far too much uncivil discord.  Hence, this list.

Amen.