It's the Little Things
August 27, 2003

Recently I've been reflecting on the experiences that have come my way during this time of military activation. Even though I have known for a long time the truth of the statement, "Life is made up of the little things," it has lately become more apparent to me.

A friend recently commented in an e-mail that my experiences of late rival those of the movie character Indiana Jones. I'm flattered, but with all the places I've been, it still comes down to the "little things" in life that really matter. Let me share some of those little things with you.

• Bread right-out-of-the-oven - There are few simple pleasures in life more enjoyable than a loaf of bread hot from the oven. Today about fifteen of us went out to the girls orphanage and played soccer. Before leaving to return to base, some of us went into the bakery they have and bought some French bread. It was hot. And it was delicious!
• A word of encouragement - As a preacher, teacher and writer, words are my stock-in-trade, and the correct use of words is important in order to be understood. Well, I've been known to get a little excited when I preach, and this morning was no exception. I began by sharing with the congregation how much pleasure I derive from reading and studying God's word. I said it's just like having a "filet mignon." Was this a bit of hyperbole? Only if it's not true. After the sermon, one Marine shook my hand at the door and said, "Thanks for the filet mignon. I'll be back for more."
• Remembered by name - As I walked into the English class I had created at the girls orphanage, they began to call out, "Chuck! Chuck!" I don't get out there very often, so there's something special about being remembered with enthusiasm. It warms the heart and puts a smile on the face.

• Alicia and me in the chow hall. I'm her "homey!"

  Cheesecake for dessert - A few days ago at lunch I was looking to see what they had for dessert in the chow hall. I didn't see any cheesecake, so asked if it would be served for dinner. Alicia, a civilian contracted employee, assured me that it would be served that evening, and that she would save me a piece. I normally pass on dinner, but she was doing something special for me. You see, she calls me her "Homey," because she lives in Modesto and I live in Ripon, only ten miles apart in northern California. Homey ... that's a first!
• A good cup of coffee - One of the officers who works in the next building brought me a bag of Starbucks coffee a few weeks back that she had just received from home. I, in turn, e-mailed my wife, asking that she grab a few bags of Starbucks and ship it over to me. It arrived last week. Happy! Happy! The chapel office has become rather popular in the mornings when that first pot of coffee is done.

• RP1 Brett Baldree and me on the German ship, Donau, in early August.

  Good attitude - I'm very fortunate to be working with someone who is enjoyable, can laugh often, is able to relax in this harsh environment, and always demonstrates a pleasant attitude. RP1 Brett Baldree is from Farmville, North Carolina. He's a southerner through and through. I tease him incessantly about his peculiar use and pronunciation of the English language. I also remind him that he's really not a southerner at all because he's from NORTH Carolina. His good nature makes the chapel office a nice place to work.
• My wife's voice - Only one way to describe it: it's sexy (I'll bet I get in trouble for using THAT word!). She actually worked as a phone operator before we met. So when I call home, and she answers, I'm momentarily frozen. After she hears my greeting, her voice rises with a lilt, saying, as only she can, "Oh! Hi Honey!" It normally takes me a few moments to recover. It certainly makes me yearn for home.

Those are some of the little things that have meaning in my life, and are indispensable to my day-to-day existence. I value these more than all the adventures and exciting places I've been.

When it's all said and done, it really is the little things in life that matter the most.

Oh, and if you happen to be in Africa? Stop by the office for a cup of coffee. Y'all sit a spell, hear?