When we’re tired and feeling discouraged, it’s so easy to wonder if what we do really matters. Are we making a difference in the lives of our families, coworkers and the people around us? I sometimes wonder that about blogging too.
Our daily lives are so hectic that just keeping up becomes a struggle, let alone trying to make a difference. It’s easy to become discouraged and feel like giving up is the best option. Nothing we do seems to matter, so why put in extra time, energy, or effort?
I remember feeling this way a few years ago. We were missing our family, concerned about my aging parents and our son, who was facing a difficult situation. I was really down in the dumps.
Taking a break can be valuable for many reasons.
After working in the garden all day, Hubby said, “Let’s go down to the ‘city’ for a few things we can’t get here in the village.” We didn’t find what we were looking for, but we bought some groceries, and it did us good to get out.
When we arrived home, we decided to grab a pizza at our favorite pizzeria, Lupo Rosso. It was rejuvenating to sit there, relax, and sip our wine. It lifted our spirits ever so much.
That evening at the pizzeria, they were holding a going-away party for a nun who was being transferred. Hubby had worked with her while teaching English to preschoolers. She stopped by our table to say goodbye, and tell him that she would never forget him or his encouragement.
This exchange made me realize that we often touch other people’s lives in small ways — often without realizing it.
Major actions aren’t necessary. We can make a significant impact through small things. Things like offering a smile or kind word, providing encouragement, or taking time to listen. With people we know better, we can send a message, make a phone call, or invite them out for coffee.
As we strive to demonstrate Christ’s love in our daily lives, it’s important to remember that even the little things we do can make a lasting difference in someone’s life.
We may never see the seeds we sow take root and grow. We might never see a harvest. However, if we faithfully point others to the Lord of the harvest, He will ensure that the seeds of our words and deeds continue to grow. He will help others remember our words and our acts of kindness.
Problems seem smaller
Focusing on our difficulties and failures only makes them seem worse. Some problems are genuinely huge and extremely difficult, and I don’t want to minimize that. However, over-focusing on them can make them seem even larger. So, when we feel overwhelmed, let’s remember the importance of taking a break.
Our focus becomes clearer
If you can’t go out for pizza, do something else instead. Take a walk or sit outside with a cup of tea or coffee. You could also visit a friend or go window shopping. Getting out into the wider world can help us realize that our lives and our struggles are really quite small in the grand scheme of things.
Problems come and go. But amidst them, let’s make time to get away and refocus. Remember that the Lord is with us through everything, even when we don’t understand. Even when we feel that nothing is going well.
We strolled home that evening in the cool air, happy just to be together. And suddenly, I felt grateful to be living here and doing what we’re doing. The discouragement had vanished, and I understood that the harvest was coming little by little. We just had to be patient.
Image by CnvStudio via Canva.