"Love sought is good, but giv'n unsought is better."

~ William Shakespeare ~

We recently had friends over and I offered them a slice of lemon for their iced tea.  Must be the Texan in me.  My offer was met with looks of amazement!  They felt like they were in a restaurant - pampered and special.  Did it take much for me to do?  No.  Did it bless them?  I think so.

The Bible says that Jesus cares about every area of our lives, no matter how small and He desires to bless us beyond what we could ask or imagine.  Here's a thought - what if we have the same attitude towards those around us?  What if we took the time to go the extra mile…to pay attention to the little things…to seek to bless beyond what someone expects?  I think the results will be pleasing to those around us, as well as to the Lord.

Sometimes the very smallest of gestures speaks volumes.  Recently I took lunch to a friend who has been bedridden for three months.  Instead of simply throwing the salad and cookies into a bag, I added some special touches to our lunch.  I included a tablecloth for her little table, some china, water goblets, candles and cloth napkins.  It was a simple thing to do and it let her know I care.

As moms, we desire to make our homes a haven for those who live there or stop in for a visit.  All it takes is a little attention to detail.  Have you ever tried to step back and look at your home from someone else’s perspective?  If you were to step through your front door, how would you feel?  I love to greet guests with hugs (I'm a hugger!), classical music, fresh coffee brewing…I want them to know I’m glad they’re here.

Most importantly, let’s not forget our precious families.  We must not reserve the special treatment for guests alone.  It is so easy to get caught in the rut of daily life and forget the very people we are ministering to – our husband and children.  What makes them feel special?  A favorite breakfast for a child who is having a difficult time?  A few extra minutes spent snuggling at bedtime?  A note to a child left on their mirror?  The possibilities are limited only by our imagination. 

Not too long ago, my husband asked me to buy him some razors the next time I went to the store.  I brought them home, but before putting them in the drawer, I added a little note that simply said, "I love you".  I placed them in the drawer and forgot about it. The next morning as he was getting ready, he found the note.  He walked out of the bathroom with a big grin on his face.  The moment it took to do that small thing made a big impression on his day.  He knew in a tangible way he was loved.

These are just a few examples.  What do you do to make others feel special?  Remember, it's the little things.