the small steps

Growing up I always used to think that to change your life for the better, you would have to undergo huge lifestyle changes or make a drastic turn in your life.  But I'm learning as I get older, it's the small steps that are the ones that really change your life.  It's cliche and overused but it still rings true, 'Rome wasn't built in a day'.  It's the everyday, mundane, small decisions that ultimately shape your life.

For example, I hate exercising, I always have.  Back a few years and even a few months ago, I would devote time and energy into some new-fangled workout regime, only to give it up within weeks.  But recently, instead of forcing myself to start something I'll only end up stopping, I've made small everyday changes.  For instance, I'll take the stairs instead of the elevator at work, I park farther away at the grocery store, I take an after-work walk in the park or walk/run a few laps around my house when I get the chance.  Because of these small lifestyle changes I've noticed I have more energy in the day, I sleep better and I feel better overall.

Not just with exercising though... it's everything.  Every decision we make in the mundane of everyday life is wrapped up in the ultimate vision or goal we have for our life.  Our lives are made up of moments.  And these moments are our life.  Our goal or vision that we have for our future life is shaped by the decisions and the small steps we take today.  Let's make every moment count!

some things aren't meant to be understood

It makes you think.  This thing called life.  The way it ebbs and flows and takes directions you never thought it'd go.  Sometimes we ask ourselves the hard questions, the "whys" and "what ifs".  And then there's the ache that never really goes away no matter how hard you try and shake it and somedays you're smiling at a sunset that you know is a gift from God.  And the next moment you're shaking your fist at the storms and clouds that blanket the earth in darkness.  Sometimes you can't thank God enough for the blessings in your life and the next moment you question His goodness when you see the ugliness of life.  The "why" questions.  They can eat your heart out if you let them.  But amidst the happiness and tears and aching and joy and pain, there's a lingering thought that sits at the back of my mind.  

That maybe... some things aren't meant to be understood on this side.  Maybe the "why" questions that pierce our hearts and shake our souls aren't questions we'll get answered on this side.  And in a way, that's comforting.  Because what we do know, is that He cares and He knows.  And that's what makes all the difference.