Until this past weekend, I spent more time in the Houston Intercontinental Airport than in the city of Houston itself. Houston is a regular stop when I travel from Chicago to Managua on our annual mission trip to Nicaragua. However, my brother and his family recently re-located to Houston, which gave me the chance to see Texas beyond the borders of International Terminal E.
They say that everything is bigger in Texas. Indeed, I experienced Houston in a BIG way this weekend including a visit to the Hermann Park Conservancy, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and a drive down Interstate 10 (also known as the Katy Freeway).
In contrast to everything that seemed tall and wide and oversized, I was reminded that it is the little things that make a big difference. Thanks to my sister-in-law, I arrived to find fresh flowers and dark chocolates strategically placed in the guest bedroom. I traded seats on the airplane with an elderly woman, so she and her husband could sit together. And I watched as my niece took her first solo bicycle ride sans training wheels! I always find that moments like these cannot be capture nor repeated in any proper fashion.
The BIG moments in life are often few and far between. We look forward to graduation days, significant birthdays, weddings, holidays, and retirement parties with great anticipation. They mark our accomplishments and are a source of celebration. Today I count my blessings by remembering the little things that bring me joy. They make up the majority of our lives and ultimately add up to something great.
What are the little things for which you can give thanks today?
Beth M. Knobbe 
Oh, sweet Beth! You made me tear up again… Of course, not like Sophia and Andrew cried when you left the car and start walking towards the sliding doors of Terminal C at the airport but truly tears from happiness and gratitude that I found such an amazing family and another sister so special and close to me as my own! We love you and we were so happy that you were able to come and visit us. Our house is always your house!