One Grain of Sand at a Time
An ant hill is formed one grain of sand at a time. It’s a familiar sight in East Texas for sure, especially after a drenching rain.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” (Pro. 6:6).
I don’t consider myself a lazy person by any means. I have plenty to do every single day, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. However, for the past couple of years I have been waiting for large blocks of time to get serious about writing another book that has been on my heart for a while. This book will be a little more challenging than my others, so I keep putting it off waiting for more time. Well, guess what? Those large blocks of time are totally elusive. At times I feel I may explode if I don’t write this book!
Then enters my friend, Amy. I share with her my predicament. She listens patiently, then very sweetly reminds me of Proverbs 6:6 with the emphasis on the ant (thank goodness). I suddenly realize I should stop waiting on the dump-truck load of sand and start moving one grain of sand at a time. It is the only way this book will ever materialize.
Perhaps you also have been waiting for more time before you start working toward that goal. Maybe you dream of completing your education, starting a side business, running a marathon, spring-cleaning, adjusting to a major lifestyle change, or just reading the Bible cover to cover. What is it, and what are you waiting on? You can start small, just one grain of sand at a time, but do something. Today.
Do you wish you could save money for something special? Here’s a little advice: Stop waiting for your ship to come in “cause it ain’t gonna happen”! However, you can start sending over little yellow duckies one at a time. One day you will have a bathtub full! Just do something. Now.
Your dream goal may seem daunting or even impossible, but it isn’t. God will help you finish what you started. You’ve heard the cliché, “The way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.” How unappetizing is that! Who wants to eat a tough rubbery old elephant? I like the Bible’s analogy of the ant much better. Moving one grain of sand at a time is doable. And one is never too old to move sand.
It all starts with one minuscule, seemingly insignificant grain of sand, but it represents movement, progress, and a much bigger picture. Over time, that one grain of sand swells into a full teaspoon, then a cup, then a sandbox. It’s called momentum and results in achieving your dream.
What sand does God want you to begin moving today? Start now—one grain of sand at a time.