From the Nest: Think Small

I know our culture tells us to think big, dream big, do amazing things, change the world.

And I’m not saying there isn’t merit to all of those things. But over the past week, I’ve found myself retreating. I want to be informed, I want to know how and what to pray specifically for. I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

But, this week, as I tried to become informed, look for specific ways that I can pray, and think of what I can do…it was crushing. I simply am not designed to be able to carry the weight of the world. I don’t believe that I am meant to live a life of sadness and overwhelming despair, even though the world looks a lot like that right now.

I don’t think you are either.

So where does that leave us?

Overwhelmed, hurting, frustrated, even angry. Discouraged and disheartened by the many, MANY things that are so far out of any control we could ever gather. Distraught, scared, and anxious. Heartbroken.

A quick Google search and the KJV search results posted by Edison Williams tell us this about what God says:

Fear not: Found 62 times
Fear ye not: Found 8 times
Be not afraid: Found 26 times
Not be afraid: Found 13 times
Nor be afraid: Found 2 times
Neither be afraid: Found 3 times
Dread not: Found 2 times
Neither fear: Found 2 times
Neither/nor/not be dismayed: Found 10 times

In the education world, we are reminded often to phrase things in the positive. For example, instead of saying, “Please don’t run inside,” I could say, “Remember to walk inside and we can run when we go outside.” (Please do not ask how many times I forget this in my classroom! Ha!)

I find that sometimes I need my reminders in the positive too. Such as:

“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks.” I Thessalonians 5:16-17

And my personal favorite:

“The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will rejoice over you with singing and quiet you with His love.” Zephaniah 3:17

And yet, has anyone else had a hard time feeling quieted this week?

And where does that leave my response? What even is the right response, in light of the hundreds of ways God tells us to be anxious for nothing, to rejoice in all things, and to choose joy?

I am not a theologian. I’m not a Bible study director. I do not claim to have any knowledge or experience or expertise to pass along to you, much less any answers.

But if I may, I’d love to share the quiet response of my heart this week…or past 18 months.

Do the next thing for the immediate sphere of influence around me.

Can I control everything that happens, even within the walls of my home? Absolutely not. But I am convinced, even passionate, about this: I cannot change the world. However, I have an eternal responsibility to lead those right around me in grace, hope, joy, and faith in an all-knowing, un-changing God.

In my limited knowledge and perspective, I can’t help but wonder if each of us did what we could for those right around us…in our homes, our place of work, the cashier at the grocery store, the bank teller…to spread goodness, kindness, and the love of Jesus…what would that world look like?

So, I actually cannot control what that world would look like. I can be the gatekeeper of my own home. To a large extent, I can shut the world out and make sure that our home is a peaceful haven. In doing so, I believe I can lead my children in goodness.

Am I proposing a complete and total sheltering of children? Absolutely not. There is a time and place for age-appropriate conversation. There is also a time to hang it all up outside the door and do our best to fill our home with love and joy.

If the weight of the world feels extra crushing this week, may I ask you to consider pausing? Taking a step back? Refocusing on YOUR mission? Commit to spreading kindness and joy and love and grace to whomever you connect with this week?

Think small about the circle where you actually can make a difference. The circle where you can have a great influence. The circle where you are the gatekeeper.

Much love from our nest.

Blessings,

P.S. I’d love for you to follow me on social media! You can find my home decor inspiration on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

25 Comments

Carolyn on at

Thank you so much for this message today! We must all spread the love!❤️
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Bev on at

What an awesome reminder! I expect everyone needs to read this message right now! Love you!
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- Robyn Huff on at
  
  Thanks Mom! Love you too!
  Reply
Janice on at

Beautiful message and beautifully written. I have had to limit my time with the news because I did find I was becoming very anxious and it was affecting my health. I too work in am elementary school and the division between the parents and school district on mandates have become very stressful. I have had parents screaming at me. I’m the office manager so I hear and see a lot. I just keep reminding myself to not take it personally but know that it all comes from fear.
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- Robyn Huff on at
  
  It’s so hard to keep everything in perspective! Thanks for all you do on the front lines!
  Reply
Brenda Marquez on at

Very timely! Thank you!
Reply
- Robyn Huff on at
  
  Thank you Aunt Bennie!
  Reply
Jane on at

Robin, you are light that shines in the darkness. Thank you.
Reply
- Robyn Huff on at
  
  You are so sweet! Thank you for your kindness!
  Reply
Rebecca on at

Jesus tells me daily, be not afraid, he has overcome the world. I finally got it! Therefore, I will not be afraid and I trust my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in all that I do and am.
Reply
- Robyn Huff on at
  
  Well said!
  
  Robyn
  Reply
Kelly on at

Thank you so much for this.
Reply
- Robyn Huff on at
  
  You’re so welcome Kelly!
  
  Robyn
  Reply
Amanda on at

Loved this Robyn!! And it’s exactly what I need to hear! God bless your Big Heart!!
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- Robyn Huff on at
  
  Awww, you’re so sweet! I’m so glad it helped in some way!
  Reply
Marlene Stephenson on at

I know I’m anew reader, and I appreciate all you have said. God is love and is in control of all that is happening, we may not see or hear but we need to know in our hearts that He’s got this and working for the good of all. Stand strong and ready for the challenges we may face.
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- Robyn Huff on at
  
  Thanks do your kindness. Faith is the only thing that helps us with things bigger than ourselves!
  
  Robyn
  Reply
Janie on at

Love this Robyn! I completely agree!
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- Robyn Huff on at
  
  Thank you Janie! I really appreciate it!
  
  Robyn
  Reply
Sharlyn on at

Yes and amen!
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- Robyn Huff on at
  
  Thank you Shar!
  
  Robyn
  Reply
Lillian on at

We definitely need this right now ! Thank you for sharing , I used to road a Moms group at church -“call to be mom “ and that was a beautiful time to share with moms your ups and downs and trying times in the world . This brings me back , I have been leaning on my faith for so long . It is the only way to walk on earth with all the heavy ness . Have a good week and Thank you
Reply
- Robyn Huff on at
  
  Thanks for your kindness! I trust your week is going well!
  Reply
WAYNE WAITS on at

Great advice! >I need that for the world and national news this past week has been crushing.
God, help me to be a positive influence in my circle of influence.
Reply
- Robyn Huff on at
  
  Thanks Dad! I appreciate it!
  Reply

From the Nest: Think Small

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