PAGES OF LOVE
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact

A Reminder In The Clouds

7/23/2018

4 Comments

 
Picture
​Sitting in a window seat of a packed flight, I look around and notice that I’m surrounded by a sea of people all wearing headphones. Everyone is tuned into their own little world.
 
But then I look out the window and notice the amazing view. Large, fluffy clouds surround us, and when the clouds break away I can see neighborhoods, roads, rivers, and ponds.
 
An extraordinary view in the midst of an ordinary moment.
 
Seeing this breathtaking view from 35,000 feet up suddenly makes me feel so small and insignificant. I am just 1 person in this vast world. 1 out of billions. And if I compare myself to others, I feel even more insignificant. 
​Just because we feel something, though, doesn’t make it true.
 
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
 
I may feel insignificant at times, but the truth is I am always significant in God’s eyes. And you are too.
 
Yes, there are billions of people in the world, but God created each of us uniquely for a reason. There is beauty in diversity.
 
Our personalities, talents, skills, gifts, and interests were intentionally given to us. What are you passionate about? What brings you joy? What breaks your heart? All of these things could be related to the purpose God has for your life.
 
Sometimes, I think it’s easy to feel insignificant because of our limited perspective. God can see the “big picture” (Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that He knows the plans for our lives), but we can usually only see what’s happening in the moment. We don’t always know how our words and actions impact others or if we made a difference in someone’s life. I love this quote from Fred Rogers (a.k.a. Mister Rogers): 
“If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.” 
Over the years, I have received notes, cards, and e-mails in which people have expressed gratitude, shared words of affirmation, or told me how I've impacted their life. I’m so grateful for each and every one. Some of them are from students and their parents, while others are from friends and family members. No matter who they’re from, I save them. Not only do they encourage me in the moment, but I know they will encourage me in the future.
 
On days when I’m feeling insignificant, I re-read a few of them. God uses these simple notes, cards, and e-mails to remind me that I am valuable. That my life is important. Sometimes I need reminders.
 
While flying through the clouds, God reminded me that just as He created this amazing view, He created me.

Each of us is a valuable part of His creation. 

Our significance isn’t dependent upon what we do, it’s from simply being a child of God.


  • Are you up for a challenge? Once a week, for the next month, write a note, card, e-mail, or text to at least one person letting them know how they have impacted your life in a positive way. 
4 Comments
Andrea link
7/24/2018 08:31:05 am

It is always nice to remember that our lives touch others. That means we have the responsibility to be caring individuals.

Thank you for your generosity!
XXXOOO
-a

Reply
Julie
7/24/2018 08:48:59 am

Andrea, I love how you said we have the responsibility to be caring individuals. So true! As teachers, I think one of the greatest lessons we can teach our students is how to show others we care about them. I hope you have a wonderful school year!

Reply
Chris
8/13/2018 08:31:23 am

Julie,
Just read your blog, and I love God's perfect timing. I often feel the way you described and have recently felt weighed down with it. Thank you for sharing the wisdom you've learned from Him. I love your follow-up challenge!

Reply
Julie
8/13/2018 06:05:44 pm

Chris, one way that you have positively impacted my life is through your feedback and encouragement about blogging. From one writer to another, thank you. Your support means so much to me. Have fun with the challenge!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.


    Join My E-mail List

    About  Julie
    I'm an ordinary introvert who loves an extraordinary God.

    Categories

    All
    Abuse
    Books
    Faith
    Fear
    Gluten Free
    Loss
    Poetry
    Relationships
    Teaching
    Things I Love


    RSS Feed


    Archives

    July 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016

Home

About

Contact

Copyright © 2016
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact