Sometimes the small things matter most of all.
Small steps.
Small habits.
Small thoughts.
Small decisions.
Step by step they change us over time, into something different and something new–something we never anticipated we’d become at all.
And that’s the power of just doing the next thing.
Not the big thing.
But the small thing, right there where you are.
Because over time, one small thing after another becomes the big thing.
The process of each small step takes us to the destination.
The journey matters, with each little step being a piece of incremental change over time.
Skipping steps sets us up to fail.
Because without small steps, we’d never be ready for the final destination.
We’d miss so much,
Learn too little,
And fail to fully grow.
Because the process is what changes us and prepares us, with each small step we take. [Tweet this]
So today, if you’re tempted to think you’re invisible, wondering if anything you’re doing even matters at all, remember,
Each small thing is one step closer to your big thing.
Training children day by day.
Writing one word after another.
Connecting with a friend.
Memorizing one verse.
Writing down thanks.
Remembering who you are.
It’s the steps along the way that prepare our hearts to be ready.
And often, we learn more from the process than the arrival at our destination.
May we never despise the invisible years of climbing, because with His leading, each small thing leads us exactly where He intends us to go.
With every single step mattering along the way.
May we walk with Him as He leads, and embrace the climb, one small step at a time.
What are you climbing right now?
How have the first set of steps changed you?
I’m joining Lisa-Jo, over at her site today, to just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. The challenge is to write with the prompt she gives. And today, her prompt:
Small…
Linnea says
I love this. Thank you for sharing! I was encouraged by your words. 🙂
Jacque Watkins says
Thank you Linnea 🙂
Cindi Summerlin says
I love love love this. I’m taking such small steps right now, but it is because He is directing my steps now.
Jacque Watkins says
Thank you Cindi…I’m walking the small steps right with you!
Cultivating Kim says
I think it was Matthew Kelly who said in one of his books “just do the next right thing” and that next thing is usually small 🙂 but oh, so important.
lindalouise says
This is such wisdom Jacque. Every small step of the journey has great value.
Thank you for visiting. To know you are praying for us is such a precious gift. You’ve blessed me more than I can say. You have such a lovely heart. I am so delighted to meet you.
Barbie says
Oh yes! I am embracing the climb with you, one step at a time!
Being Woven says
Grace led me here today for just what I needed to read…this day! I feel so encouraged and blessed. May He bless you this day for hearing His Word and sharing it in this beautifully written piece. One. step. at. a. time!
Becky Keife says
Lovely post. Loved this especially: “Sometimes the small things matter most of all. Small steps. Small habits. Small thoughts. Small decisions. Step by step they change us over time, into something different and something new–something we never anticipated we’d become at all.” I feel like this is exactly what God is working in me…just doing the next thing in the grace and strength he gives. Thanks for the beautiful encouragement!
Oh, and we actually met in person! At Amy Grable’s 40th birthday! 🙂 I’ve read through your story and am encouraged by God’s amazing power to redeem. Hope your paths cross again one day!
Blessings,
Becky
Jacque Watkins says
Yes, just. the. next. thing. I’m with you!
Jacque Watkins says
What a treat for you to visit me here, Linda. Really. You are loved!
Jacque Watkins says
Yes, one small step at a time. We can do this!
Jacque Watkins says
I’m so glad…your words are a gift to me. Thank you for encouraging me! I’m walking with you, one step at a time 🙂
Jacque Watkins says
Becky! Thank you so much for finding me here! And I’m so with you, doing the next thing in the grace and strength He gives. And the fact that you see Him in my story and how GREAT His power is to redeem? Ahh, THIS is what gave me the courage to write it out at all…that He would be glorified in all He’s done in me…because He’s done so much. That my very life would reflect Him and make His name great…this is my prayer. xo
Karmen M says
I was looking for a google image of “small steps” and your blog popped up. How perfectly timed. I also wrote about small steps for the FMF link up. Might I use your image of the stairs with the quote on my blog if I link it back to you?
Jacque Watkins says
Yes you may! And isn’t FMF so great? Blessings to you!
Karmen M says
Thank you. It is great. Have a lovely new week.