When I was a child, my mother would tell me she was looking forward to the shortest day of the year because the following days would start to get longer. I thought it odd at the time because I knew it would be several weeks before there would be a noticeable difference. However, as we age time seems to pass more quickly. She knew one minute more light in the morning and a minute extra at night every few days, adds up over time. Now that my mother has passed, it’s nice to think about her at this time of year and share her sense of anticipation of warmer, longer days.
Little things add up over time. Like the ant in Proverbs 6:6 who can only gather a little, but does it often and has enough food for winter. Doing a little often, makes a big difference over time.
Most writers don’t have the luxury of being able to write full-time so they write a little, often. My husband likes to do jigsaw puzzles. He does a little, often and after a few weeks he has a completed puzzle. Teachers teach children a little each day and it adds up over time. We learn to play musical instruments little by little and practise often. Some people like to save their small change. They are saving for something big by doing a little, often.
Spiritual Principle
It’s a principle we can apply to our spiritual lives. Often I’ve been challenged to read the whole Bible in a year, but I’d rather read the Bible little by little. Mostly I only read a chapter a day and if it’s a long chapter, maybe only half. This way, I have the luxury of reading it leisurely and thoughtfully and maybe write a few lines about what stood out to me. Likewise, I don’t tend to pray long prayers, I’d rather pray a little, often. Even resting can be done by doing a little, often. I can relax for five minutes, go for a short walk, or listen to an uplifting song, I can do all these little things, often.
During this season, is there a new hobby, new spiritual practice, or a new skill that you would like to cultivate? Can you start by doing a little, often?
Links from my blogging friends who have also written about winter:
Winter – a gift and a necessity by Virginia Wright
Wintering by Steph Penny
Great principle, Susan! You are right, chipping away at important things over time can get us a completed project, a renewed relationship, or a sense of rest. Slow and steady, as the proverb says. Thanks for sharing. Best be off—time to chip away at my writing!
Yes, keep chipping away! Thanks for coming by.
Thanks for this wise, thoughtful blog, Susan. As writers, we definitely have to seize those little moments and write often as well as for longer periods at times. But as you point out, this is a good principle all round. God bless.
Thanks Jo-Anne
I’m like your mother. I look forward to the shortest day and even the longest. For the cold season, I know the shortest day means things will start to warm up (even if it takes a long time, it’s still uplifting for me). For the longest day, I know that it means the sun won’t be out for as long during summer when the weather is at its harshest because the longest day is already passed. It may be small, but it does lift my spirits.
Thank you for encouraging me to see the little things I do as I see those days. Something to be celebrated and enjoyed because they do mean something.
Yes, they do. Thanks Dienece for coming by.
What a great reminder! Do a little, often. It is so true, yet we often forget this vital principle. Thank you. It’s of great help.
Thanks for dropping by Virginia and for your encouragement