Don't forget the small things...

I've been doing a lot of reflecting on how 2017 turned out for me. Normally around this time I end up looking at all that didn't happen, all the dreams that didn't come true and just how I didn't get what I want. This time, I was able to look at this past year as one of many changes and personal growth.

Now I don't want to pat myself on the back, and brag about all the good things that happened in 2017. There was challenges. There was sadness. But in those moments God was able to show himself so clearly that it brought in changes that I had asked for but didn't really notice that they happened.

For a long time I have been asking God to use me, and to bring people into my life that I can spend time with where we are all of similar backgrounds or times in our lives. Yes I was asking for single friends...lol...pretty obvious. Now don't get me wrong. I love spending time with my friends who are married and have children. It's some of the best times I've ever had. But it's those moments where you are bored or alone and want to just go for an impromptu dinner.

In January, I had the pleasure of meeting someone who has now become one of my closest friends (new record for the fastest friendship!). She was doing her field study (or practicum) at the church I was attending at the time. She joined our leader retreat and after quick conversation, we realized that we have the same personality...only with 9 years age difference. We hit it off super fast and will be life long friends forever. Little did I realize that becoming friends with her would open up the doors to all the opportunities that would come.

We spend so much time together and I am so

happy that God brought me this friend that I could have impromptu dinners with, deep discussions with and someone in the same period of life with. It is wonderful! Over time, I've been able to make many more friends through her all because of the connection that we made. Through this friendship it brought the opportunity to volunteer with The Joyful Project, which has become a passion that I didn't realize I even had (for social justice).

There's so many times where we miss the small things that God puts into our paths. We look at them as little buds in a large bouquet of flowers. They haven't bloomed yet or become the beautiful flower they are meant to be. We need to take the little buts, the little stepping stones that God is giving us on this journey and allow them to bloom or guide us to something amazing.

I asked God earlier in the year to use me. I felt like I wasn't giving my full potential or that I wasn't serving to the best of what God expected. I had checked out. With the small act of growing this friendship, I was able to make connections that would allow me to serve the kingdom in a way that I would never have imagined. Now it's not the typical way that many would think if they are serving for the betterment for the kingdom, but it still allows me to make an impact on someone's life without even meeting them.

It's the small things. It's the moments that we will remember but might not realize where God is directing us in a different way. In this season, whatever season it is that you are in, remember the small things. Remember the connections made. Remember the opportunities given. Remember the feelings.

I encourage you as this year is coming to a close, take a look at the previous year of your life. What has changed? How have you changed? What doors have opened that have brought more than you could ever imagine?

“God will entrust you with something bigger after you have proved yourself faithful in the small things.” ― Pastor Adelaja Sunday

#smallthings #gracetobeloved #blessings