One of my favorite movies is “You’ve Got Mail.” In the movie, there is a line that Meg Ryan’s character says that has stayed with me for a long time. She says, “I live a small life. Valuable, but small.” I think that resonates with me because that is how I feel about my own life. The day in and day out routine of my life sometimes seems so insignificant, and in some ways it is. It isn’t earth shattering that I changed 5 diapers today or cooked three meals, or did the dishes or taught a few piano lessons or homeschooled. And because of that, it is easy to feel like my life doesn’t mean much. But God has really opened my eyes lately and continues to encourage me that even small lives can be used in great ways for His glory. Here are some things He has helped me to see and I hope they can encourage some of you as well.
*Each meal that I prepare, cook, serve and clean-up is a gift to my family. I am providing the strength they need to grow, learn and survive the day. I am saying to them: you are valuable, you are important and I am working hard to provide for your basic needs. That is no small thing.
*When I clean my home, pick up toys, do laundry, etc., I am working to give my family a safe haven. I am showing my husband that I value his hard work and I that I am also working hard to give him a peaceful home and a place to recharge. I am teaching my children about hard work and not being idle. I am saying to each guest that comes to our house that I value them. And I am making our home a place of order, rest and peace. That is no small thing.
*Teaching my children is a hard and wonderful thing. What a heavy responsibility it is, but such a blessing. I am training up the next generation to know and follow Christ. The fruits of my work will be evident down the road, even if I can’t see it now, and that is no small thing.
*Only by God’s grace, I have been given gifts in music and each time I use them, whether by teaching piano lessons or by leading in worship, God can take those small efforts of mine and do bigger things than I am capable of on my own. Music can be a balm for a weary soul or a wonderful way to express joy and worship. Being able to use my gifts to help people encounter God in worship is a great privilege and it is no small thing.
*Each time I encourage a friend, open my heart with someone or pray for those in my life, I am being used by God to speak truth. He has placed people in my life who may need the testimonies and words I can give. And praying for people makes a difference. Being used by Him in that way is no small thing.
All around me, I see God doing BIG things in people’s lives. And it is so amazing to be able to support and pray for those families. But, it can be easy to wonder sometimes, why not me? Is it ok for my life to feel sort of ordinary? I think the answer is YES. We can’t always see how God is working and it may be years and years before I see any of the fruits of my labor. Still, I must press on in my small life, giving the gift of my time and effort, knowing that big things always start from small things. My prayers, tears and labors are going to produce a harvest, in God’s timing. And I am ok with that. I don’t want to be lazy and never attempt the radical things, but I also need to be content in the times when God has simply asked me to be faithful. And right now, that is in my home with my little family.
May I encourage you today if your life seems small? Don’t believe the lie that because your life seems small that it isn’t of value. Do the things God has put before you with all of your heart, for His glory. Your list will look different than mine, but take some time to think about the ways God is using you. Do it, not to make you feel better about yourself, but to help you give glory to God for how He is using you. I know that God often takes the small things (remember the mustard seed anyone?) and does bigger things than we could even hope for. I am choosing to trust Him for the results. Will you join me?
Soli Deo Gloria,
Jessica
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