We’ve all heard the saying “it’s the little things in life” and applied to whatever situation we are in at the moment.

It could be the way the first sip of sweet tea tastes on a hot summer day or sitting quietly on Eagle Lake as the sun sets, setting off a majestic show of colors.

It also could apply to the things that separate good things, good service from great things and great service. It’s the difference that is made when a cashier says “Have a good day” or “Thanks for stopping in.”

It also could apply to the way the grass and medians are kept within a particular area and how municipalities and groups tend to litter along public rights of way, parks and other public areas.

Recently, it has been the little things that have drawn criticism and some thankful attention.

In action taken in December, the city of Vicksburg put forth a plan to spend money on the city’s parking garages and repainting nearly three dozen crosswalks that have worn over the years.

It is that focus, that expense that might not seem like a lot, but goes a long way in showing care and concern.

The same could not be said, though, for some of the decorative lighting and signage down the Halls Ferry/Cherry Street gateway leading into Vicksburg’s downtown.

Globes missing or broken, lights not working and fading signage gives the impression of disrepair or lack of care that we know does not exist. But in this case, it’s the little things that matter.

This corridor from Interstate 20 into the heart of Vicksburg is one of the busiest in the city. Anyone who has traveled that road during a lunchtime rush continues to be amazed such traffic can navigate such a narrow, two-lane road.

But that traffic is not just made up of those who live in Vicksburg and Warren County; thousands of visitors travel that road each day, each week, each year and it deserves attention.

Decorative lighting might not have been the best idea, but it is there and needs to be properly maintained, much in the same way the banner signage promoting all the interesting aspects of life in Vicksburg should be replaced from time-to-time.

When it comes to one community or next, it is not the big things that matter, but rather it is the little things that make a difference.