We love those small to big stories, the ones where the janitor goes from singing in the hallways after hours to singing on a stage in front of millions. We love the underdog — Cinderella, Susan Boyle, the East Dillon Lions. But then if they get too big, something happens. We don’t like them as much anymore. We get picky. We criticize. We envy. And the fickle ways of the world show up, even in us.
Embrace the delicate smallness of your humanity. There is no satisfaction to be found in the big the world has to offer. Take time to look within and consider if that is the big you are seeking. If it is, reconsider. And if you begin to make it big in some area of your life, if success climbs up on your back like a rocket propelled pack, it could become more difficult to remember your own smallness. So ask for it. The Lord has gracious ways of keeping you small; humble, gentle ways. If you’re not careful, you could miss them, mistaking them for rejection, misunderstanding, or failure. But these are your gifts, and each jagged stone of pain and discomfort is paving the way for you to walk your path of true joy.
When you see evidence of that joy, follow it. Fight for it. It will not come from thousands of followers or a published book or an Oscar. Because there is always someone with more fans, more books, more Oscars. Instead, the joy comes in broken, quiet ways; ways handed over only to the heart who is willing to receive the gift of small. And here is where your shoulders will begin to relax, where that crease in your forehead will settle, where your soul begins to breathe again. There is rest and comfort to be found when you wrap yourself up in smallness.
Are you familiar with this small place? Are there ways that you both fear it and long for it?
It is not something I often consider, but you are so, so right. Success is so much more than we think it is most days, isn’t it?
Oh Emily. This is so timely for me. Thank you for writing it. Thank you that it is affirming to me right now. right where I am at. I have been struggling with this lately and God finally gave victory yesterday. For more than a year I have been gasping for breath and now… I can … BREATHE… deeply and confidently and relaxed.
Chasing after that evidence of joy. Fighting for it. and oh yes it comes in the broken and fills up the spaces and brings healing and wholeness.
“And here is where your shoulders will begin to relax, where that crease in your forehead will settle, where your soul begins to breathe again. There is rest and comfort to be found when you wrap yourself up in smallness.”
yes, God gave this to me just yesterday. Praise Jesus!!
Sharon@Hiking Toward Home´s last [type] ..Courage- part 2
Mrs.B´s last [type] ..Love Story
I am always astounded by the ways you find to articulate what I thought were secrets in my heart.
“…the joy comes in broken, quiet ways; ways handed over only to the heart who is willing to receive the gift of small.” This is a phrase that I will keep close to me today, turn it over like a treasure in my pocket, and let it guide me in the hurdles I face.
If I am able to maintain my loving open heart, the small places are the source of peace for me. But sometimes it takes a little ouchiness to realize I have found one of those places again.
Kirsten´s last [type] ..This Old Blog – aka So Two Thousand and Late
Oh Kirsten – I love that, keeping it as a treasure in your pocket! What a lovely way to think of that. Maintaining that open heart is a minute-by-minute practice, isn’t it?
Oh how I love this! Why is it that we strive for the acceptance of others when the almighty God of the universe loves us so well already? Indeed a gift, to be small!
asnipofgoodness´s last [type] ..Our story part two
It certainly doesn’t always feel like a gift, does it?!
This is such beautiful truth, Emily! The pride in me longs to be noticed, and the heart of me longs to be humbled – kept close to Him and Him only. With being noticed and *success* comes more worldly expectations and that can often times mislead us from what our true focus and priorities should be – to honor Him and not ourselves. To bring glory to the One who gives and takes away, versus our own abilities and strengths. Being humbled is a time of tender loving-giving by our Father, a reminder that we are who we are because of Him, because He allows, and because He *wants* to use us, not because he *needs* to use us. I wouldn’t want my life splashed across the screen of most households, only to be criticized and finger pointed at…sometimes I already fear my own hypocritical nature in my blog writing…and I must remember that I *write for Him* – as my act of worship to Him, and He will cover the rest…
Amy´s last [type] ..Grace for my Groom
i don’t call it the small place, but i have found that i have to live there. or i will go crazy. thanks for the reminder. and the name for the place!
kendal´s last [type] ..upon a sunday- happy
Beautiful. What really spoke to me was the part about mistaking it for rejection, misunderstandings or failure. What a great way to look at our own smallness.
Deanna´s last [type] ..An Interview with Author Jody Hedlund
Wow. What a perfectly timed post. Thank you for your beautiful words and wisdom…
thanks, Kat. It’s perfectly timed for me, too
It is funny how we start to criticize those that make it big. Our pastor preached on jealousy last week, and that is what it is. We start to judge because we are jealous. He said the way around that is to be happy for those who are being successful, who are *making it big*.
And so my dear, I am happy for YOU, an accomplished author! And maybe one day I will be there, or maybe not, but either way, I am happy for you!
Bernice
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..4 ways to be like the Energizer Bunny
It always amazes me how totally opposite the Kingdom of God is to the kingdom of the world. We all measure success differently…in our ministry. Success is when an addict is “clean” for three months, or when an alcoholic holds a job for a year. We all need the ability to see the Lord in the small things of life…and then to continue seeing Him there.
Lynette´s last [type] ..My heart is SO full
Oh yes – God stands on his head, indeed. And redefining success is so key. It brings peace when we let ourselves believe it.
Thank you for your post today, it hit home for me too. It is not easy to stay “small” because our big world out there is all about the big and instant gratification. God teaches me daily to live in the world, not of the world!
Have a blessed Monday
Andrea@ourbluefrontdoor´s last [type] ..Untouched and beautiful
And this speaks to the life that seems small when everything in the world, and many things in the church, is saying “Go big otherwise your life is wasted” -
To teach us to be grateful when smallness is our portion and to value everything it is – without running away if God wants to make it bigger
allie´s last [type] ..Did You Say Paint
For some reason I always think of success like a walk with God on the beach or on a beautiful spring day.
When success “appears” to be happening in my life, a walk outside with God keeps me grounded. It reminds me that when it’s all said and done it will always come back to just me and God walking this walk together. When I think of walking along with God it keeps me in that small place. It reminds me that He is all I need.
And at times when success is far away and the world has beat me to a pulp or I’ve messed up big time AGAIN, the walk with God becomes the hiding place that I run to, my place of safety where, once again, it’s just me and God. And He speaks tenderly to me there and neither condemns nor demands. And I feel small and very big because I remember that nothing the world can offer could ever compare with a walk alone with God.
Bonita´s last [type] ..Great Blogging Resource!
We were in a church once that made me feel small. I was so angry at them, at being there, at God. I’ve come to appreciate now (because it’s over!) the humility that God nurtured in me through that. I felt helpless and so depended on God in ways I’d never understood before. In wise moments I understand that small is good because God is big. You’ve given me a wise moment today. Thanks.
mrs pastor´s last [type] ..The Parsonage
What a beautiful post. It really spoke to me and touched me.And yes, the gift of small is something I never want to fail to see.
I think the fight for staying small is often harder than the fight to make it big.
Your writing is always graceful and elegant, but I think this one is particularly eloquent. Thank you for these words and this reminder, Emily.
Annie´s last [type] ..5-52
Your timing is perfect, and your reminder is so gentle and loving. Thanks for sharing this.
Natasha´s last [type] ..Excuse me- I arted
This comes at a good time for me Emily. Sometimes the longing for approval translates into “big.” I want so much to find my approval, my contentment, in Him – not in the numbers on my blog or the acceptance of others. It is a hard lesson to learn.
Linda´s last [type] ..One Thousand Gifts
had to click out of the reader today, Emily, because this is so beautiful and so true. the search for the small is so hard — the lust of the eyes deceives. thanks for a great reminder today.
how do you do this every day? your writing has reached a new level. it’s changed and it’s lovely to watch.
melissa stover´s last [type] ..It ended too soon
it’s perfectly timed for me too…like this morning when I saw the video on youtube of the Timyan people in Papau New Guinea and their joy over receiving the whole New Testament in their heart language! and the little village translator who works tirelessly to bring light through the Word and how His name is famous in Heaven and like the Man on George St…if you know this story, it is so powerful.
you do have a priceless way of articulating the inner heart…thank you emily!
Love this… success climbs up on your back like a rocket propelled pack!
This post reminds me that whether big or small, where God has me is the best place to abide.
Thanks for the clarity.
imoomie´s last [type] ..In Wonder…
I often use words like gentle and humble when I am “correcting” my kids. Yet…why is it that I most often cry out…..”look at me….look at what I have done.” A gentle reminder to be okay with small…..that this is how God wants us to be. If we trust him…he will take care of the big things and smile on us for serving meekly, quietly, and humbly. Your gracious post was written with sincerity and spoke to my heart. Thank you.
Jen´s last [type] ..Resting in Memory Monday
Yes, I am familiar with this small place.
For me, it’s come in the form of a bed and severe physical weakness. Crazy me…I asked for it. The smallness, not the bed.
But then, He knows. He knows how desperately I need this small place; the humility of it. Fear has even driven me here: to ask for it at any price. Fear of big puffed-up-in-pride me. Ack! I don’t want that, but know it can and has been me.
And so, He gives the greater grace. Prostrate. Therein I find my rescue; my breath.
Thank you Emily. You delivered the reminder I needed so lovingly and beautifully.
Oh my word-did I ever need to read this today!
I had a trying weekend, and it’s so helpful and healthy to think that those trying things serve a greater purpose than the sheer creation of misery or irritation. I’ll keep my eye on the prize: my own self-awareness and the bigger cause of keeping me in touch with who I really am, thank you very much!
Tracy´s last [type] ..Lets Go to the Movies
*THIS* is classic Emily…classic Him lovin’ on us through you.
Your words continue to encourage, inspire, and amaze me. Thank you for this gentle reminder to be content with our place in the world and to see life through God’s eyes.
Maryea {happy healthy mama}´s last [type] ..The Amazing Spaghetti Squash a tutorial
Staying up late tonight to buy my ticket to Relevant!! Yay, I hope they don’t sell out in minutes!!
So, the small. Oh, yes. There are grand treasures in remaining humble, small, broken and child like before Him. Also, how do I describe, there is a security and protection also. Do you know what I mean?
I pray He reminds me of how small I am, and how BIG He is.
Thank you, once again, Emily.
Amanda asweetliferocks´s last [type] ..One Thousand Gifts
Beautifully written and expressed. To see our worth through His eyes, rather than how the world would measure success.
“There is no satisfaction to be found in the big the world has to offer.” Love this!
Many thanks!
Shayne´s last [type] ..Todays Tapping
Is there such a thing as holding onto the small places too tightly? I’m safe there, you see. I fear losing them– losing my way back to them– should “big” success find me. I worry that my small comfortable place is ultimately keeping me from striving for more. Does that make sense? How do you balance working toward success– even moderate success– and keeping in touch with the small places?
Heidi M´s last [type] ..What I Learned This Week
Now THAT is a good question…
Love this today. Thank you for sharing it.
Pattyann´s last [type] ..Sometimes- we get sick
Love, love, love this post. My shoulders relaxed just reading this, and I’m wrapping myself up in my smallness today and praising God for it! Thank you, Emily, once again for putting things in beautiful perspective.
michelle @ this little light´s last [type] ..Top Ten Reasons We Should Live Like A 4-Year-Old
What about when one does small too well?
When we try to compact ourselves into small until we can’t straighten up and reach our path of true joy?
When we know in our hearts there’s more, and the fight is about breaking through to claim what is ours and waiting for us?
This is my dilemma.
I don’t think at this point I need to worry about losing small…. I need to learn that it’s okay to let go of it and embrace more.
You have a way with swords… they slip from your heart sweetly, soothing as they hit the page. Love them
)
Joy @ B-Joyful´s last [type] ..break through the ignorosphere
And my goofy little cartoon smiley’s translate into the weirdest emoticons. >sigh< I have to remember to leave out his nose….
: + o + ) = that weird thing up there. Lol
Joy @ B-Joyful´s last [type] ..break through the ignorosphere
Emily, thanks for your post, it inspired me to write mine.
http://andmyhouse.blogspot.com/2011/03/what-autistic-child-taught-me-one.html
Humility as a gift. I’ll be musing over your words today for sure.
HopefulLeigh´s last [type] ..Name That Car
emily, i love this so much i cannot even express it.
adornedlife´s last [type] ..savor
East Dillon reference. . .already missing that show!
Amy Sullivan´s last [type] ..Midlife Crisis or Midlife Fun
Hmmm….I’ve never thought about rejection, misunderstanding and failure helping me be small. Thank you for the perspective…..especially when two of those loom large in my life today.
Recently my husband told me this story….I love it! (And believe it’s a good reminder to all of us, and maybe especially for our “powerful” leaders.)
“Before going to bed one night, Teddy Roosevelt joined the noted naturalist William Beebe for a bit of star-gazing. ‘That is the Spiral Galaxy in Andromeda,’ ‘Roosevelt declared, indicating a small patch of light near the constellation of Pegasus. ‘It is as large as our Milky Way. It is one of a hundred million galaxies. It consists of one hundred billion suns, each larger than our sun.’ The president then turned to Beebe. ‘Now I think we are small enough,’ he declared. ‘Let’s go to bed.’”
My understanding is that Pres. Roosevelt regularly made that trip outside reciting the same or something similar. What a wise man.
~Diane
“There is no satisfaction to be found in the big the world has to offer.”
Anything we have comes from His hands. When we aren’t “making it big in the world,” it’s because we aren’t suppose to.
Its so hard to remember this truth. He is sovereign…the friends we have..the house we live in…the things we put in our homes….the cars we drive….the successes in our lives…they all come from him.
It hurts so terribly bad when the ones we love struggle to celebrate the good going on in our lives…..it’s hard not to focus on the hurt of it, but we (I) have to remember ….HAVE TO REMEMBER…that the struggle really isn’t against me…it’s an inner struggle in them.
I think we all have those times…when someone isn’t celebrating the good…the provision…the success…that God is allowing into our lives….and we also all have those times when we struggle to celebrate someone else….
it’s yucky flesh…it’s why he came for us.
love your heart.
I’m embracing the joy of my still, small self these days. No striving, no achieving, no real productivity. Trying to accept the broken, the unproductive, the quiet. And being renewed in the process!
Love this post. Thank you.
xo,
Linsey
LLH Designs´s last [type] ..Perspective in Parenting
This is so timely for me, too, Emily. I’ve been praying to God lately for a refocus, a refocusing on Him. I feel myself being drawn further and further into the vortex and more into myself. I’m losing sight of the why, the why of writing, the why of possible publication. And it feels ugly.
So thank you for this. You simply remind me to look for the small, and to open my eyes, and the eyes of my heart to it.
In other news…I just bought my ticket to Relevant!!! I’m going with Deidra Riggs — and I cannot tell you how excited I am to meet you in person.
Now…I’m going up to view that video and catch the sound of your real live voice!
Michelle DeRusha@Graceful´s last [type] ..Because I Could Not Pass by Beauty