It’s the Little Things
Hey RIG family. There are so many ways to set a good example for those coming after us. Today I want to chat about one we don’t address that often. Our kids and grands learn so much from watching how we interact with the family and friends that surround us. If we are forgiving, they learn to forgive. If we hold grudges, they will, too! Those are somber reminders that deserve their own post, but right now I’ve got one that’s a bit more light-hearted: If we are an encouragement to those around us, they will learn the great importance of supporting others.
I’ve got a story for illustration. Several weeks ago, I turned in the manuscript for my eleventh book, twelve if you count the workbook for Finding Deep and Wide. It was so incredibly hard to break into publishing that it’s still hard for me to believe I have a dozen titles out there, but I remain grateful for every opportunity. This one is a Bible Study on the gospel of John, entitled Seizing the Good Life, “Discovering Peace and Joy Through the Study of John’s Gospel”. (Content hint: Jesus is the Good Life!)
This one will release June 13th, which feels like forever and tomorrow all at the same time. Much will need to happen before then, including addressing my editor’s suggested edits and gathering endorsements. And yet, none of those work details could derail my excitement at turning in the manuscript ahead of the deadline. I was actually in Fairhope, Alabama with Chrys’ sister and my good friend, Joneal, when I typed out that final word. I had spoken at Fairhope First Baptist the day before and Joneal had traveled with me. We tacked on a couple extra days to the trip for some writing and beach time.
The very first person I called when I closed the laptop was my darling husband back home. Phil was in the middle of Harvest 2022, and the season has been challenging, (understatement!) but that didn’t stop him from celebrating with me. He congratulated me on the phone and when I got home I found a second sweet note of congratulations from him stuck to a favorite print where he knew I would see it! When you live with an author you figure out that this deadline thing is a big deal! But this story gets sweeter. The next day I had the family over for Sunday dinner, and that evening after everyone left, I found a second note, beside his. This one was in my granddaughter’s big cursive letters, and it echoed her Pops’ congratulations. She had obviously seen his note and followed his lead.
Rigsters, (I think I just made that up), I realize this is a simple story, but I believe it holds so much potential. Let’s make sure our kids and grandkids see us doing the little things that, should they emulate, and they will, encourage and strengthen our family units.
Have you finished something lately that didn’t feel doable until it was done? Tell us about it!
Hugs,
Shellie
