Do not despise your small beginnings

Good morning, friend,

This morning I found myself reflecting on my writing journey and where it all began.

As a child, I wrote cheesy little poems. Looking back now, I can see that God was quietly developing a writer in me long before I understood what He was doing. It wasn’t something I planned. I didn’t have an audience. In writing songs, I couldn’t play an instrument. I knew nothing about song structure.

What I did know was how to obey.

When I wrote my first song, I sang it for my family. Before long, the Lord opened doors for me to sing it for patients in hospitals and friends walking through difficult seasons. Those small moments planted a seed of courage that kept me writing.

Within three years, I found myself recording CDs and singing all over the Seattle area. What seemed impossible had become reality.

But as the opportunities grew, so did the cost.

The more I traveled, the more I realized I was being asked to sacrifice what mattered most to me—my husband and my children. What I once thought was my dream slowly became a weight I was never meant to carry.

My final large event was at the Gorge in Washington. Standing on that stage, I knew in my heart it would be my last big performance, at least for that stage in my life. I wasn’t quitting because I had failed. I was walking away because I had discovered something more important than chasing a platform.

I wanted to go home.

I wanted to be a wife.

I wanted to be a mama.

And I knew that desire wasn’t just mine, it was the Lord’s.

I never stopped singing.

I never stopped writing.

I simply stopped chasing a dream or pursuing the message God had written on my heart.

My platform changed, and all I wanted was an altar to bring my offering to.

My audience became smaller. Only One person mattered. King Jesus.

Looking back, I realize God has never measured my faithfulness by the size of the crowd. He has always measured it by my willingness to obey.

There is so much more to tell you about my writing journey, but this is where it began—the first stone laid, if you will.

It reminds me of these words from Scripture:

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10)

Maybe you’re in a season of small beginnings yourself.

Maybe you’re staring at a blank page.

Maybe your manuscript has stalled.

Maybe you’ve lost your inspiration, or perhaps you’re wondering if your words even matter.

Friend, every writer walks through seasons of highs and lows, open doors and long pauses, overflowing inspiration and painful drought.

When the road gets difficult, and you’re tempted to give up, ask yourself this:

If I wasn’t obeying God’s call to write, what else would I be doing? And would I be happy doing it?

Because nothing else will ever satisfy what God uniquely created you to do.

Everything else may keep you busy…

…but obedience is what fills your soul.

Keep writing.

Keep showing up.

Keep pouring the oil.

God delights in every faithful beginning.

Write on,

Holly Ruddock

Author & Mentor

Ink & Oil