Small Wins in the Shift from Summer

This past week I officially hit the end-of-summer blues. My days no longer revolved around hours at the pool but around my job as “mom taxi”—driving or waiting for my passengers between Vacation Bible School and volleyball. My gratitude list stalled, and instead of enjoying the last bits of summer, I was staring at a calendar full of packed schedules.

In my down-and-out state, I had a real conversation with God. I poured out my struggles, frustrations, and whys. Why does this season feel so heavy? Why can’t I keep my gratitude going? Why does it feel like joy is slipping through the cracks? Why does it seem like everything is going wrong?

Then Thursday morning hit—volleyball pictures for my daughter. Somehow, she missed the announcement to bring the packet home. Perfect. Another reminder I was already behind in this new season. But then, a small win—a mom bestie had the link to order online.

It wasn’t life-changing, but it was life-lightening. A reminder that small wins still matter. God gives them to us as encouragement to keep going when the bigger picture feels overwhelming or when your favorite season is coming to an end.

Zechariah 4:10

Do not despise these small beginnings,

for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.

Gratitude doesn’t have to wait for miracles or major breakthroughs. It can start with the little gifts—a shared link, a kind word, a smooth drive, a moment to breathe. Quiet mornings have found their way onto my gratitude list more than once.

This Monday, look for one small win—a tiny victory that makes you smile. Write it down. Thank God for it. Small wins are seeds that grow into bigger joy.

If you would like to read more about my journey to One Thousand Gifts, check out these other posts:

• Kindness in the Other Lane

• Gifts in the Quiet: A Duluth Getaway

• "This is Dumb!"-What it Really Means to Embitter Our Kids

• What a Wandering Cat Taught Me About Prayer

• When Life Doesn't Go as Planned (and the AC Breaks)

• Trolls, Mud, and a Golden Rabbit: A Parenting Adventure Worth Laughing About

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