We can do no great things, only small things with great love. — Mother Teresa
I’m at She Speaks–a fabulous conference in North Carolina. As you read this, I’m probably somewhere hugging necks, sipping coffee and hoping my accessories actually match. When women come together that’s what we do, isn’t it? We talk, laugh, share. On the outside we know how to look confident and put together. Yet inside we’re often asking questions like this: Am I really enough?
We try to answer that question by finding a way to validate our existence {or maybe that’s just me}. In high school that might have been by trying to “fit in.” As grown-ups we can also add being the perfect mom, coworker or wife to that list. And at conferences like these, it’s often an accomplishment–getting a book published or having more speaking engagements–that we think will finally make us feel worthwhile.
Without even realizing it, we find ourselves striving to be more, to be bigger, to make sure we get noticed. And yet I’m learning more each day that God calls us to the small, the quiet, the humble.
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life. — Paul {I Thess. 4:11}
Does this mean we’re supposed to avoid all attention or step away from opportunities God might have for us? No–I believe this verse is simply showing us how to order our priorities {and keep our sanity} in the process. Our ambition is to live quietly–to love those in front of us, to do our work with excellence, to be an obedient and faithful servant focused on the duties assigned us. I don’t think quiet is about volume: I believe it’s about the state of our hearts. It’s choosing not to strive, to resist restlessness, to push back the urge to shout to the world, “Please recognize I’m important!”
God may decide to put you in the spotlight. He may have you stand on a stage in front of millions.
Or he may decide to do something entirely different. He may have you stand in the middle of your living room to serve one family.
Both are equally important platforms.
So let your heart get quiet today. Breath deep and know you are where you’re supposed to be. You don’t have to validate your existence or your importance. God has already done so. And it’s in the quiet that you can best hear him say what your heart truly longs for most, what no other words or dream or accomplishment can ever replace…
Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! — Jesus {Matt. 25:21}
XOXO
Holley
