The Beauty of Ordinary

A few months ago, I had the incredible privilege of collaborating with nine other authors to write a book centered on one of the fruits of the Spirit: kindness. Even now, as I hold the finished book in my hands, I’m reminded that God often does His greatest work through the smallest beginnings. When I was first invited to be part of this project, I had no idea where it would lead. I simply knew it was an opportunity to share what God had placed on my heart. Looking back, I’m reminded how often the Lord asks us to take one faithful step without revealing the entire journey ahead. He simply invites us to trust Him with the next “yes.”

This book is part of a larger collection that explores each of the fruits of the Spirit, making it even more meaningful to be included among such gifted writers. Every chapter reflects a different story, perspective, and life experience, yet together they beautifully point back to Christ and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. It was a joy to stand alongside the other authors, each using our unique voice to encourage readers to grow in their walk with the Lord.

As I prayed about what to write, my thoughts continually returned to one simple truth: God delights in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Throughout Scripture, we see this pattern repeated time and time again. Moses carried a shepherd’s staff. David held a sling. A young boy offered five loaves and two fish. The disciples were ordinary men with ordinary occupations. Yet when they placed what they had into God’s hands, He accomplished far more than they could have ever imagined.

That same truth continues today.

My chapter focuses on how God often moves through something as simple as an invitation. An invitation to share a cup of coffee. An invitation to church. An invitation to pray with someone. An invitation to sit, listen, or share a meal. These moments may seem insignificant to us, but we rarely realize the eternal impact they may have on another person’s life. One conversation can change the direction of someone’s journey. One act of kindness can restore hope. One invitation can become the beginning of a life transformed by Christ.

Writing this chapter challenged me as much as I hope it encourages others. It caused me to reflect on how many opportunities I may have overlooked simply because they didn’t seem important enough. How often do we underestimate what God can do through an ordinary moment? We tend to believe He works only through grand opportunities, yet so often His greatest work begins with small acts of obedience that almost go unnoticed.

One of the unexpected blessings of this project came after the writing was complete. I had the opportunity to spend time with the publishing staff, and it was such an encouraging experience. Meeting the people behind the scenes, hearing their passion for sharing Christ through books, and learning more about their vision reminded me that every published page has the potential to reach someone who desperately needs hope. Their encouragement meant more than they probably realized, and I left those conversations feeling both inspired and deeply grateful.

What has amazed me even more is how this one opportunity has quietly opened the door to so many others. When I first agreed to contribute to the book, I never imagined where that single “yes” might lead. New relationships have formed. New conversations have begun. New opportunities to write and serve have emerged. Looking back, I can clearly see God’s hand weaving together details I never could have orchestrated myself.

This experience has reinforced the importance of humble beginnings. Often, we pray for God to open big doors, yet many of those doors begin with one simple opportunity that almost seems too small to matter. One invitation. One conversation. One act of obedience. One willing heart. God has a beautiful way of taking what appears ordinary and multiplying it into something we never expected.

As I reflect on this journey, I realize this book has become about much more than kindness. It has become another reminder that God is continually writing stories far greater than the ones we could ever write for ourselves. He uses ordinary people, simple invitations, and quiet acts of faithfulness to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. I have also realized that we never know what may be waiting on the other side of our obedience. The opportunity in front of us may seem small, but in God’s hands, even the smallest invitation can leave an eternal impact.

Think of a time when someone’s simple act of kindness made a lasting impact on your life – how did it change you? In what ordinary ways has God used you to encourage, bless, or point someone toward Him? Who in your life might be waiting for a simple invitation—a conversation, a cup of coffee, a meal, or an invitation to church? Please share in the comments.