She walked in the door and I could see that it had been a rough day. Tears were close to the surface. It was one of those days you dread but you know you have to go through anyways. She’d done the hard thing though and I was so proud of her for it. Victory
Another friend called almost in tears she was so upset about some relational things going on in her life. But she’d made it through the week and I was proud of her. Victory
I sent a birthday message to a sweet friend and I knew it was a hard day because another birthday for her just marked another year still sick. I was so proud of her for persevering. Victory.
I’m part of this awesome blogging group on Facebook. Someone posted today that her post had been pinned by someone else. She was excited and rightly so. Day after day I get on there and I see people celebrating things like getting to 400 followers on Instagram or figuring out how to run a new part of their blog. Everyone joins in on the fun. Here’s what I’ve realized through all these posts. I’ve realized that celebrating the little things is super important. I’m learning that we need to celebrate even the seemingly tiny wins.
So when my friend walked through the door almost in tears (and after a good long hug) I pulled out some fancy glasses and a bottle of Martinelli’s. “We’re going to celebrate!” “Celebrate what?” “We are going to celebrate the fact that you did something that was really hard for you even when you didn’t want to do it. And we are celebrating that it’s behind you!” “Now?” “Yes, now!” So we poured the Martinelli’s and immediately her demeanor started to change. We may have even pulled out some chocolate too since we wanted to make sure we really celebrated. 😉
Tears turned to laughter. My friends, life is hard and messy and can cause a lot of pain. Sometimes it’s easy to just get bogged down in all that but today I hope you don’t. From here on out I hope you find the little things to celebrate even if it’s just getting out of bed. For some people that’s a huge accomplishment. (I know from years of being sick in high school or from others who’ve been through depression.)
You see it’s the little things that go unnoticed that actually end up making the most impact in how you live. To some people having 400 followers on social media or making it through the week might not mean much but to others it could actually mean a great deal. Instead of always wanting the next big thing what if we celebrated the little victories right were we are? What if we chose to see that all the little victories add up to a life that celebrates that we get to be here. You can either look a the glass half empty or half full but I hope you look at is as half full of Martinelli’s. I hope you keep a bottle of it in your fridge at all times so that you’re prepared to celebrate the little wins. I promise it will change your perspective. Find something to celebrate today. Find a friend that needs some encouragement and celebrate them. It really is the little things in life that make the difference. Cheers!
P.S. I just want to say to any Christians that since Jesus defeated death and we are now his there is ultimate victory in what he has done. Let this fact cheer your heart today!
all the little victories add up to a life that celebrates that we get to be here.
Elaini, this is pure GOLD!!! Thanks so much for putting it so well.
Yesterday I had the priviledge of joining with asweet family I’ve known for years for church on the other side of the continemt (my even being there was no tiny victory, but it was worth it). As we celebrated the Lord’s Table as a family, we taked about how Jesus, through His life, death, and defeat of death in His resurrection put ALL THINGS under His feet. I pondered that on the way back to my host home and realised that, since we are in Him, all things are, in reality, under OUR feet as well. But so often some of those things that seem to be firmly under our feet tehd to “pop out” from inderneath them… we get upset, disheartened, discouraged… and thus so need each other to elp us remember reality. And people like you who will recognise a small victory in a friend’s life and remind them of reality by celebreating, as you did. Looking on each others’ lives with understanding as you did is so encouraging. We guys often do it differently than you did with your friend, but it is the same thing. The encouragement we can so easily give one another is so important. Thanks for reminding us of that.
Thank you! Haha yes, I suppose guys probably do encourage each other differently.
A bottle of sparking cider is now on my grocery list! Thanks for the good reminder to celebrate efforts and attitudes regardless of outcomes.
Oh that makes me so happy to hear! 🙂
Thank you for this post! It really inspired me today!
I’m a new follower of your blog – a friend told me about your “dress 100 ways” challenge and showed me the video. Wow – that really was amazing! I love how you used your talent for dressing fashionably to raise money for your passion – missions!
I’ve only read a couple posts, but so far, I really enjoy your blog!
Hello Susi! Thank you so much for taking the time to introduce yourself. I love meeting new readers! I also really appreciate you following along and reading. That’s always a huge blessing to me!
Haha yes the dress project was pretty crazy and fun. Thankfully I had a lot of help! Even though I don’t blog about that in the same way those children/missions are still a passion of mine. I’m excited to have you around on here. 🙂 xxx
You truly are a precious friend to those who you continually encourage.
Victoria, honestly I feel like most of the time I’m not very good at it! Thank you for your kind words. xxx