Overlooking the simple

For the past few days Amber has been asking me about pulling out the Christmas decorations. C'mon, its ridiculous to hit Christmas before Thanksgiving... none the less I caved tonight. A few hours ago I found myself rummaging through the attic trying to find boxes marked Christmas.

When I went to set up our fancy "pre-lit" three section fake Christmas tree, I had no idea how frustrating it would get. Last year I opened it up, pieced it together, plugged it in and wallah - I had a lighted Christmas tree that closely resembled the one on the shelf when I bought it a week after Christmas a few years back. This year it was different.

I put it all together - no lights. I checked the fuse, replaced the fuse, plugged it in again... no lights. I made sure I had all the cords plugged in right, rechecked the fuse, plugged it in again - no lights!! Before I threw the tree across the room like the lil' Grinch kid did, I pulled myself together and put my kids to bed. They really wanted to set the tree up tonight (but with no lights - you cant!!!)

After putting them to bed, I tried to fix the problem one more time, unplugging and replugging again - I found a small 1inch box with a button on it... when I clicked it - wallah!

It was the "on" switch that the tree company put there to "make life easy" so you wouldn't have to unplug the tree from the wall each night. Simple, but I overlooked it. What simple thing have you overlooked that could "turn the lights on" for you??

• Could something as simple as an apology - mend that relationship?

• Could something as simple as praying before that meeting - make things better?

• Could something as simple as helping out around the house - make your marriage better?

• Could something as simple as repenting of that sin - take you to a new level of faith?

• Could something as simple as getting their opinion - make them feel a part of the team?

• Could something as simple as reading God's word more - give you the wisdom you need?

• Could something as simple as admitting your mistakes - help your kids respect you more?

• Could something as simple as asking - get you what you need (or want)?

• Could something as simple as calling that friend - encourage them or keep them from making a big mistake?

• Could something as simple as a hand written thank you note - give that volunteer the appreciation & confidence they needed to take your ministry to the next level?

What simple thing have you overlooked that might "turn the lights on" for you?