How what looks small, ordinary, or unassuming can carry far more value than we realize
“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
We live in a small village tucked away in the north of England. We don’t eat out often, but on the occasions that we do, we usually return to the same familiar places – comfortable, predictable, and if I’m honest, no longer exciting.
On our most recent date day, my husband and I decided to try somewhere new. The first place we stopped at served only pastries, but we were craving hot food. So we looked at each other, smiled, and decided to hunt for somewhere else.
As we made our way back toward our village, my husband mentioned a restaurant a work colleague had recommended. I was skeptical. Judging by its exterior, it didn’t look like much. I agreed to try it but half-jokingly said, “I’m sure it’ll just be the usual chips and burger.”
The pub sat on a street corner, unassuming and easy to overlook. But from the moment we arrived, everything surprised me. The parking lot was lovely. Inside, we were greeted warmly by a staff member with the most genuine smile, who led us to our table. The atmosphere was calm and welcoming. A few people were enjoying their meals. Soft music played in the background. It felt peaceful.
We ordered drinks, then starters, which were delicious. Soon after came our mains. We ordered two different dishes and split them in half just in case one missed the mark. Neither did. Everything was hot, fresh, and full of flavor. We couldn’t stop gushing. How could this gem of a place have been right here all along, and in over seven years of living in this village, we had never stepped inside?
Then the realization hit. How often we dismiss something simply because it doesn’t look impressive at first glance? How quickly we decide it isn’t worth our time because it lacks luxury, glamour or outward appeal? In doing so, we risk missing something genuinely remarkable.
This is not only true of places. It is true of people. Of seasons. Of opportunities. And often, of the work God is quietly doing around us.
When the prophet Samuel went to Jesse’s house to anoint Israel’s next king, David was not even considered at first. He was unassuming. Overlooked. Ordinary. Easy to dismiss. Yet David was God’s choice.
“People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
David’s story reminds us that not everything valuable looks impressive at first glance. God often hides His choosing in quiet places and small beginnings. What we are tempted to overlook may be carrying far more weight than we realize.
This invites a question worth sitting with: What might we be dismissing simply because it appears small? Perhaps it is a person who doesn’t stand out, a season that feels uneventful, an opportunity that seems insignificant, or even a version of ourselves that does not “look the part.”
The call for us as believers is to become people of recognition rather than contempt—to see beyond appearances and refuse to despise what seems ordinary, unassuming, or small.
May we slow down. May we look again. And may we honor what God is quietly growing before we almost miss it.
Take a moment this week to notice the overlooked gems in your life and all around you. Perhaps it is a person, a hidden opportunity, or a quiet season. Ask God to open your eyes to what He is quietly growing, and commit to celebrating the ordinary that carries extraordinary value.
Treasure in Earthen Vessels 