A Reminder In The Clouds

​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.

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• 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.