On Celebrating the Little Steps
"Sometimes it's the smallest decisions that can change your life forever." – Keri Russell
Every significant, major change that we have made in our lives has been the result of a long series of small changes.
Quitting smoking started by not lighting up that next cigarette.
Losing weight began by turning down one more spoonful.
Decluttering your home started by removing one unnecessary item from your home.
Getting out of debt started by pursuing one less thing to purchase.
Starting a business began with one small decision or idea.
Saving your marriage started with the realization that it was worth saving.
Parenting your children began the day you chose to love them more than yourself.
Our lives are not measured by the leaps and bounds as much as they are measured by the little steps and decisions that we make each day.
But in this world of fast food, instant downloads, get-rich-quick schemes, Twitter streams, and never-ending media hype, those standing at the finish line often receive the praise… while those on their journey are often overlooked. Or even worse yet, those on the journey long for the finish line at the expense of the little steps that must be taken to get there. The prize at the finish line dangles precariously… and the number of steps between here and there is rarely counted accurately.
We must adjust our thinking. It is entirely appropriate to praise those who have successfully completed positive life change, but we must also celebrate those still on their journey. Each step forward is worthy of celebration. And when we see it in our lives or in the lives of others, we must call it what it is – a victory worthy of celebration.
The father who comes home and picks up his child rather than the remote control deserves celebration.
The alcoholic who chooses to attend one more AA meeting deserves celebration.
The husband drowning in debt who packs a lunch for work deserves celebration.
The consumer-driven wife who chooses to not buy that extra pair of shoes deserves celebration.
The thief who earns his first honest dollar deserves celebration.
The woman struggling with her weight that chooses to take the stairs deserves our celebration.
The anorexic who eats a full meal deserves our celebration.
The wealthy man who writes his first check to charity (no matter the amount) deserves our celebration.
The sexaholic who admits that lust has become an addiction and needs help deserves celebration.
The hoarder who cleans one drawer deserves celebration.
The family on brink of divorce that unselfishly sits down at the kitchen table to finally talk it over deserves celebration.
We are a people in need of grace. We are a people in need of patience. And we are a people in need of encouragement. Let's be quick to celebrate the little steps in both our lives and the lives of those around us. Because life is only fully-lived in the little moments and the big.
