A couple weeks ago, I started a new series here that I am pretty excited about (read the first post here!) celebrating the highs and lows of marriage through OUR marriage. This specific post grew out of something I experienced last week and I knew it was the next piece I wanted to write about in this series.  Today is about the little things.

The back story? Michael and I spent the weekend in the Chicago area to photograph a wedding (that we can’t WAIT to share in a couple of days!) in the suburbs and get some quality time with my family. It was a whirlwind weekend, as it always is when we head home, but we are always so thankful for the time. And the delicious Julie Anns custard (I blame my ice cream obsession on this place from my youth!). Michael worked Thursday, and I spent the day prepping for the trip, and getting everyone packed and loaded before we met him after work to head North.  Packing for 4 people- 2 toddlers- is a huge task, can I just say?! Back to the point…

I was trying and trying to remember everything (I used to make LISTS! I have to get back on that!), and went to my side of the bed to grab my phone charger…and Michael had already packed it for me. For me. It’s a little thing- I know.  A really little thing.  But it reminded me, in that moment, that he was thinking ahead for me, and taking care of me.  And, it reminded me of the little things.  The hundreds of little things Michael does for me, for our family. Some are just about the division of labor in our house- he does all most of the garbage, I do most of the laundry.  And some are less planned and scheduled, like packing my phone charger for me before a trip so that I didn’t forget to pack it while trying to remember a million other things.

I am not always great at remembering those small things, especially as we get busy and tired. And I am especially not great about thanking him for them (even though I know he doesn’t do them for that). But Michael? I am so grateful for you.  For the big things, and the little ones.  Are there little things that your spouse does for you? Little things that make a difference in your day to day, no matter how small? That make your life easier, and make you feel taken care of? Try to notice them, and remember them. Keep them in your heart, as another reason to choose to love every day.  And let them know that you notice and appreciate those little things!  Because after all, aren’t the little things really the big things?