Joy is not found at the finish line but in ordinary moments. Gratitude and presence awaken joy hidden in the small, faithful rhythms of daily life.
You wake up and reach for your phone before your feet hit the floor.
Notifications. Headlines. Tasks waiting…
The day already feels loud.
But somewhere between the coffee brewing and the light coming through the window, there is a small moment you almost miss:
The quiet hum of the house.
The warmth of the mug in your hands.
The fact that you are here. Breathing. Held.
Most days, we rush past that moment.
We tell ourselves we will slow down later, when life feels easier, when the big goals are reached, when the pressure lifts.
But later rarely comes.
The small moments are where life actually happens.
I have learned this the hard way.
As a husband, a father, and a leader, my mind is often on what is next: the next decision, the next problem to solve, the next mountain to climb.
That kind of focus builds things. It moves vision forward. But it can also steal joy if you are not careful.
It shows up when the phone stays face down.
When a conversation is not rushed.
When you linger instead of moving on too quickly.
It looks like listening fully.
Laughing without checking the time.
Letting a simple moment register.
Scripture reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:183).
Gratitude sharpens awareness. It trains the heart to recognize what is good right now.
Not someday or when everything feels resolved. Right here.
He is present in quiet faithfulness.
In daily provision.
In moments that seem unremarkable until they are gone.
When you begin to notice these moments, something shifts.
Life feels fuller. Joy feels closer.
Not louder or grander. Just more real.
It is a choice to be present.
A willingness to let ordinary moments matter.
It is not about shrinking your vision or lowering your hopes.
It is about grounding them. Big dreams need small joys to sustain them.
If you do not learn to delight in what God is doing now, you will always feel like something is missing.
So today, notice one small thing.
Let it be enough for this moment.
Because one day, you will look back and realize it was never small at all.
