Change begins with small decisions
In today’s world, many of us view change as a rapid bullet train that swiftly transports us from one point to another. However, true change often begins with the small, daily decisions we make.
Some changes may manifest after weeks or years of self-work, while certain endeavors may only bear fruit after a decade of hard labor. It's intriguing to note that many creatives born during the pandemic are now expressing burnout or struggling to turn their hobbies into viable businesses. Nonetheless, there are also numerous success stories, particularly regarding how businesses adapted to the changes imposed by the economy.
There are still days when I doubt myself as I strive to overcome the deliberate decisions I made to be active on Instagram. It feels like just yesterday when I decided to leave the platform, only to find myself returning after a few months.
Today, I simply wish to remind myself that change isn't always an immediate feeling. Sometimes, a simple decision uttered on any given day can set in motion changes that will eventually come, even if we don't immediately perceive them.
There is power for the long haul,
but the shift beginS now.
The recent hype surrounding Taylor Swift's concert, an artist I didn't particularly resonate with, has taught me how deeply her songs have resonated with so many people. Her lyrics and melodies were sown in the past, yet people still raise their glasses or shed tears while singing along, even after an era has passed. Isn't that the power of change in a moment, shaping a different perspective on how we live?
As I turn the pages of my journal, which I've kept since 2019, I am struck by how much my small decisions have grown. What began as scribbled words has evolved into writing blogs. I now face each day to fill pages as I work to improve my speech and writing skills by learning the word of God.
Rest assured that you are in the right place at the right time if you have taken a mindful approach to how you choose to live. It's not always easy to slow down in a world that constantly speeds things up. Why should we rush when we have the time to truly live?
In this verse, “You are busy analyzing the Scriptures, pouring over them hoping to gain eternal life. Everything you read points to Me, yet you still refuse to come to Me so I can give you the life you’re looking for—eternal life!” -John 5:39-40
As I chew on these words, these thoughts were revealed to me:
"Change requires effort, but it's not merely busywork.”
Most businesses may not resonate well with this. In a corporate world especially where speed and efficiency are prioritized. However, personal and spiritual growth often unfolds slowly, at a steady pace. There's a persistent call to break away from routines that no longer serve us. Simply attending church every Sunday won't bring transformation unless we allow our daily lives to be changed and set apart by the Holy Spirit.
As believers, everything we do ultimately reflects Jesus, who is the bread of life and the lover of our souls. He encompasses all things. If your life lacks fruitfulness, it's evident that you have not been transformed for the better. The challenge of change lies in quietening our fears and setting aside distractions. Often, we struggle to embrace change because we have overstayed in the season. Whether it's a secure job, a familiar routine, or a stagnant relationship, our comfort can blind us to the need for change.
If you keep nodding off and thinking, “I’ll do it later,” or say to yourself, “I’ll just sit back awhile and take it easy,” just watch how the future unfolds! -Proverbs 6:10
In essence, don’t become too comfortable; we should fulfill our purpose in Christ and experience eternity right here and now. If our gift of life is eternal, why wait until we die to truly live?
So I just leave you with these thoughts and I hope that you’ll encounter God’s revelation to live well and make small decisions today to be a better version of you, the life that God intended for you.
On a side note, I have taken time yesterday to refresh my website. I was looking through it again and there were a moment of doubt. “Who is going to tell the difference?” Yet, God comforted me with these words from Nash Pillay’s book,
and we sang the lyrics “it is well with my soul". We sang it again, and again and again. These words soothed my heart and my mind got the memo from the spirit - it really is well with my soul. God had already gone ahead of me. He died to bless my soul. I may be weak but He's my strength and with Him on my side, I have nothing to be afraid of. He's the one who holds up the sword and He's the one who fights the battles. It is well.
Courage was built in my heart to do what needed to be done. Something powerful happens when we sing praises.
Be not afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude; For the battle is not yours, but God's. -2 Chronicles 20:15
It is well with my soul, knowing that I have made the necessary changes in my life and completed the work He has called me to do. While I may not always have all the answers to my questions and doubts, I choose to praise and trust in His will. This life He has given me is truly a privilege. Until the day He opens another door for me or SLC, I will confidently leap forward in the courage He has nailed for me.