The Little Things...................................

      There are five key relationships:  a relationship with God, a relationship with the members of our families, a relationship with others, a relationship with ourselves, and a relationship with things.  If we fail to follow this order, we can be certain that, sooner or later, problems will arise.
      After all, true happiness does not come from things themselves or from what we accumulate or achieve.  True happiness comes from the right relationship with God, others and things.  Things and achievements -- of course it is always good to have them -- may provide undeniable pleasure.  but it is the kind of a momentary and evanescent pleasure and can never provide the deep fulfillment one is looking for.  Favorable circumstances may produce enjoyment, but they are unable to provide fulfillment.
      If we were overly concerned about big things in life, we would usually miss the little things that make all the difference in the world.  Ironically, these little things can be more important than the big things because they embody, in one way or another, our relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves.  They tell the story of our subtle connections, exhibit our values, and define our very identity.  No mater what, we cannot escape this simple truth:  we do what we are.  Confucius put it this way:  "And remember, no matter where you go, there you are."

-Jean Maalouf,  Your New Adventure:  Make the Most of the Rest of Your Life