When Less Adds Up to More

Sometimes, doing less can actually lead to more in the long run.

I know that sounds backwards. We live in a world that equates more hustle with more success. But the truth is, when we take small, intentional steps over time, they can add up to something deeply meaningful. It’s a bit like eating an elephant—one bite at a time.

When I began writing this book, I didn’t have long, uninterrupted hours of quiet or inspiration. What I did have was ten minutes each morning. Just ten minutes. Day after day, I committed to that small window of time, and eventually—this book was born. The process felt overwhelming at times, but focusing on what I could do kept me from being paralyzed by all the things I couldn’t.

Looking back, I can see how other challenging seasons in my life have also been built on these small steps of faithfulness—earning a degree, raising children, walking through trials. Every step counted. Every quiet act of perseverance mattered.

One anchor in my journey has been Philippians 4:6:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

I first memorized that verse in 1983, when a Christian friend at Wheaton College named Marie handed me a small slip of paper before a big exam. She had no idea how much I needed those words—or how often I’d return to them in the years ahead.

That simple gesture planted a seed in my life. A seed of encouragement, faith, and community.

And that’s the thing about faith—it grows slowly, like a fruit tree. It needs care, connection, and the right conditions to flourish. A bloom might be pretty, but without pollination—without the influence and support of others—there’s no fruit.

Christianity isn’t a solo journey. It was never meant to be. Yet so often we hesitate to offer our gifts in church or community life because we think we don’t have enough to give.

But God isn’t looking for flashy performances. He honors the widow’s mite, the small act, the ten-minute offering of time or prayer or presence. And through those small gifts, He multiplies.

So whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by a big goal, or underwhelmed by what you feel you can offer—remember this:

Little by little, less can become more.

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🌿Embracing Small Acts of Kindness and Consistency

1. What’s one small, consistent habit you could begin this week?

Maybe it’s five minutes of quiet each morning with your Bible, or a short walk after dinner to reset your mind and spirit.

2. Who might need a simple word of encouragement from you today?

   A quick text to a friend going through a hard season or a handwritten note left on a coworker’s desk could mean more than you know.

   
   

3. Are you holding back your “small” gift, not realizing how God might use it?

   Perhaps it’s your ability to listen, your love for baking, or your heart for prayer—whatever it is, God can multiply what you offer.