Celebrate Small Successes

Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being.”
― Albert Schweitzer

Knowing Our Why

It’s a known fact. Women my age are having plastic surgery. In 2012, 14.6 million cosmetic surgeries were performed, both minimally-invasive and surgical.  In fact, TIME Magazine insists that before it is all said and done, everyone will have something done.

While I can’t say I agree with that statement, I do agree with the “why” behind their findings. Staff writer, Alice Park writes, “Putting aside reconstructive surgery, facial plastic surgery is all about vanity.”

Ouch. 

Vain Pursuits

Vanity? That’s a little harsh, isn’t it? Or is it?

In Webster’s 1828, he defines vanity as, “Emptiness; want of substance to satisfy desire; uncertainty; inanity.”

Taking it one step further, vanity comes from the L. root, vain, [want], meaning, “Proud of petty things, or of trifling attainments; elated with a high opinion of one’s own accomplishments, or with things more showy than valuable; conceited.”

More showy than valuable. Elated with a high opinion of one’s own accomplishments.

I like to think I have “no vain pursuits” or “vanity” in my writing career, but then I remind myself that Ego doesn’t die quietly.

Ego doesn't die quietly, does it? Share on X

Have you noticed how sensitive Ego is? How easily bruised? How darn much it desires attention and affirmation and applause?

And, Almost-an-Author Ego wants every publisher to think they have the next bestseller, wants to win every contest, and so wants their novel to be the next Hollywood blockbuster.

Sell 2,000 copies? Oh no, that is just not good enough.

Isn’t a Heart Lift Way Better Than a Face Lift?

Years and years ago, the beloved Elisabeth Elliot looked me in the eyes and said, “Janell, don’t ask to be a writer. It’s a hard, isolating vocation. If God calls you to write, then He will be with you in the isolation. Seek Him.”

I did exactly what she said. I sought God. And, I believe He did call me to write.

The writing life requires resilience. Share on X

I have held Elisabeth Elliot’s words close to my heart, because writing is indeed hard. It requires so much from us and often doesn’t give a lot back in return.

But when it does give back, the reward is rich, satisfying, and as Christians, eternally significant.

Do you need a heart lift today? Share on X

I can’t offer you a face lift today, but I can offer you a heart lift, which I think is way better.

Each and every post written with your heart in mind.

Today’s Heart Lift: Celebrate the Small Successes

Most of us will never have a best seller. Hard truth, but no sugar coating here. That doesn’t mean we will stop dreaming or honing our craft or believing God to expand our spheres of influence. We will keep putting words on paper and praying they will impact this world for good.

AND, most importantly, we will celebrate every single small success along the way, both individually and corporately.

Celebrate every small success. Share on X

What small success will you celebrate today? Please share it with us so we can celebrate with you.

Until next time, do something special for someone in your life. I bet they could use a heart lift!