Last weekend was fabulous, likely the best personal getaway I have ever had. I went on a writing retreat with my best friend, Nichole. We wrote in a coffee shop, another time in a tea house, 
but our main writing space was in a certified Wildlife Habitat, the backyard of the place where we stayed. We saw wood chucks and chipmunks scurrying about; heard unfamiliar birds that flew high and perched themselves in branches some 200 feet in the sky; the oversized squirrels jumped from tree to tree; 
and a dozen or so unknown insects popped up, including one so small and totally amazing to me. This yellow worm-like bug was no bigger than the tip of my ink pen and would curl itself then bounce in whatever direction it wanted to go. How could God put life in something so miniscule, and not just life but an amazing life capable of doing seemingly impossible feats?
When I saw that bug I marveled at the great love our God has for us. We were made just a little lower than the angels, but compared to God, we are tiny. Yet He put it in us to do great things. He gave me a weekend and allowed me to write two 700-word essays and compile other writings into one file for a book. He gave our husbands grace to care for the children alone AND on Father’s Day weekend. God also allowed us to walk miles, drink coffee and tea, eat Indian, Ethiopian and Cuban food, have short talks about big stuff and to enjoy and fully embrace the little time we had in a place only a short stop away.
Nichole returned home to a broken hammock and I to a vomiting toddler, but the small getaway helped us to forgive and nurture in a big way. Only God has the power to bring greatness from the small and I stand in awe of my Jesus (Psalm 136:4).
Copyright 2011 by Rhonda J. Smith
My One Thousand Gifts List
#101-110
Sweet children sitting at our table at Benihana
A different type of blog post
Picking Joshua up from school on time
Birthday dinner for Renee
Renee saying my “One Thousand Gifts” gift was “prophetic”
Flynn’s willingness to care for the children so I could celebrate with Renee even though he had to study for bible study
Enjoying my children’s laughter
Flynn going to the ATM and getting change for me
A warm coat for Joshua
Xfinity TV on my iPad because of Andrina
Still marveling at the grace that guided us to the perfect space at the right time. You nailed with what you said. Simple moments create big lessons.
Yes, our time and direction was definitely God’s grace.