This week has me thinking about a decision that Camille and I made 2 years ago. It was about this time in 2020 that we received word from the Elders of the Itawamba Christian Church informing us that the congregation had voted to extend to us a call for ministry there. While it was good news and news for which we had hoped God would open a door, it was at that moment that a decision had to be made by us. Do we stay in Kansas, or do we move to Mississippi? Obviously since I am writing a blog on the Itawamba Christian Church’s website, our decision is easy to figure out.
What has been intriguing for me to think about though has to do, not only with the decision itself, but the flurry of activity that kicked off because of the decision that ultimately led to us arriving in Mississippi to live, just 2 weeks later! In this case a big decision opened the door to many littler decisions that made the big decision actually happen.
I am pointing this out because I think we often believe that this is the main way that changes within our life occur: big decision followed by many smaller supportive decisions. While this certainly is the case with how some life changes are negotiated by us, I think we often overlook the much more common way that meaningful change takes place in our lives. This way actually reverses the process I have been describing so far.
As I look over my life, I can identify relatively few “big decisions” even though my life has definitely seen some major change in it. Most of the changes I look back on and think are positive have come be making small decisions day by day and over the course of time, the little decision, multiplied into meaningful change. Some of these “small yet multiplied over time decisions” include losing 70 lbs. about 4 years ago and being able to keep it off (mostly), consistently reading God’s Word daily, devoting time in quiet reflection with God, continuing my Spiritual growth by listening to other’s preaching, devoting time to walking, saving money for an anniversary cruise with my wife, and so many more. Speaking on the decision to lose weight, the decision wasn’t initially to lose 70 lb. but to lose 20. My doctor kindly yet honestly challenged me to get my health under control by taking this first step. I heard his challenge and warning and took them to heart. Within a few months, I had lost the 20 and heading for 25. We had set the goal of losing 20 for one year when I came for my annual physical. By the time that appointment rolled around, I had lost the 70 and he was so excited for me! How did it happen? Daily decisions to forgo excess in order to reach the big goal of much better overall health!
So let me encourage you. When you see areas in your life that you know are not the way they are supposed to be, resist the temptation to view it as one big decision but rather as hundreds of daily decisions. Small progress over time will change the trajectory of your life! Your huge life changes may not happen overnight, but an overnight solution isn’t what’s needed. Why not consider today what little decisions you could make today that would move you even an inch closer to your hoped-for goal and then make it. And do it tomorrow…and the next day…and the next day…and watch how slowly but surely, life change is taking place.
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