Sunday, July 26, 2009

The Little Things

My husband helped tear off a roof for Habitat for Humanity last week. He hasn't done physical labor like that since he shut down his construction company in PA and we moved to Florida eight years ago.

But he said it felt good. Strangely.

Even though it isn't what he wants to do now. Not in his plans for the future.

But it's something. Something God might need him to do before he gives him the bigger jobs.

When I first began writing, I wrote for everything that would take anything I submitted. It wasn't really what I dreamed of at all, either. I usually didn't get paid. Usually no one saw it except a few other hundred people and me. Definitely did not compare to my dreams of writing a book.

But it was something--a start. And sometimes that's where we need to be. It's where I needed to be to learn my craft, to learn about publishing, to learn to be faithful to my dream.

The little things count. They turn into bigger things. Soon I was getting a real check for my labor. Eventually I was published in real books. And now I am taking the next big step. Querying my books.

Are you being faithful to the little things that God is asking you to do?

29 comments:

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

As they say, "You've come a long way baby!" Look at all you've accomplished in such a short time! Way to go girl!

Warren Baldwin said...

Great story of progress. Do the little things and they add up to big things. Keep going!

BeckyJoie said...

Little is much when God is in it. Thanks for the reminders.

Amy DeTrempe said...

I hope I am doing the little things God is putting in my path. Thanks for sharing your progress.

Ginger said...

Such a good point! We have to be trusted with the little things I think to move on to the bigger things. By the way, it was mayo!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Terri, it's an important question. Thank you for asking. Now, to figure out my answer.

Susan R. Mills said...

I'd like to say I'm doing the little things, but I'm really impatient! :) Thanks for this post.

Great Grandma Lin said...

good advice, it is a journey not just a destination...

Unknown said...

I'm trying...He's just started asking with a bit more persistence so I guess He really means business now! I need to start writing and see where He leads me...it is my hope to be faithful and obedient to Him!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

In every industry, you pay your dues. I remember the story of a man, who started out in the mailroom of a huge company. By the time I got a job there, he was the President.

Scripture talks about not despising small beginnings (very paraphrased). They're our training ground, and our place to make mistakes without causing a disaster.

You're doing great, Terri.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Andrea said...

Amen! The little things definitely count. GOD is amazing!
Blessings, andrea

Stephanie Faris said...

SO true. Even if you're writing for 400 people, those are a whole lot of souls to be touching. We forget how much of an impact our words can have in this rush to be published but really, isn't writing and connecting with others what it's all about?

Jessica Nelson said...

I hope I am faithful in the little things.
That's awesome about your hubby.
:-) And you too. :-)

Angie Ledbetter said...

Love this, Terri. (May all your "little things" get a whopping dose of Miracle-Gro.") :)

Nikki (Sarah) said...

your posts are so right on. I need to remember not to be so impatient. The little things count and are creating steps for other things. Hey and by the way, your message to ask what not why - thanks for the reminder. You are a blessing! Sarah

Tea with Tiffany said...

Hi Terri,

I started doing the little free things first. It's so true. Glad you continue to use your pen. May God grant you favor with your queries.

Tana said...

Thank you, you've just inspired me greatly. SO often we want the end result but there is no end without a beginning.

Eileen Astels Watson said...

That's a tough question. I keep wondering if I'm missing opportunities. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I think I need to listen better!!!

Greg C said...

I had this same thought yesterday which is pretty cool since you wrote this yesterday. I have been waiting to take those big leaps but I think it might be time to just start walking and see where life leads me.

Melissa Amateis said...

Great question, Terri, and one I need to mull over.

Ching Ya said...

A simple and powerful message.
Never overlook the little things as sometimes they're leading us to bigger promises God has for us. God bless you, Terri. I'm sure you'll have a great life ahead when He's leading you.

@wchingya
Social/Blogging Tracker

Jeanette Levellie said...

Some people may think I'm nuts for not getting paid for the column I've been writing in my local newspaper for the last eight years. But it has opened up so many doors for published work, as well as speaking engagements.
If I had blown it off because it didn't pay, I wouldn't be in the place I am today. Hey, that rhymes!

Thanks for the wisdom, Terri. You are an encourager to the Body of Jesus.

Jen, Audience of ONE

Jill Kemerer said...

You have such a great attitude. Do you have any idea how inspiring you and your husband are? You're not sitting around twiddling your thumbs; you're actively helping people.

God's blessings to you Terri!

Ginny said...

What a great story of dedication! I am trying to form a woman's group in my home. I feel like there are so many issues that women have anymore, with no one to share with or bounce off of. I am hoping it will fly. I do think God is trying to nudge me in this. I still am interested in writing, though, but I just cannot get going.

Katie Ganshert said...

Hi Terri! Thanks for following my blog and leaving a comment today. :) I LOVE your blog... I especially love your tagline and the little banner you have in the right corner that says, "As for me and my blog, we will serve the Lord." That's great!

What a great reminder to be faithful in all things. To rejoice where God has us right now, because it's exactly where we should be. Mary DeMuth has said something along the lines about enjoying or appreciating writing in obscurity, because it's during these times we learn and grow.

Good stuff, Terri!

Kara said...

It sounds like you have been true to your calling! I hope I am doing what I need to do:)

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I've yet to make a dime off of my writing, and I'm still at it. A writer at heart...

peace~elaine

Unknown said...

I'm 38 and only recently began the writer's "little things." Thanks for the advice.

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