I was thinking the other day about my 4th-grade teacher.

I was a precocious youngster, and she found a way to pull some of us aside and give us extra challenges. Sometimes, we helped our classmates; other times, she encouraged us to go deeper into a subject we enjoyed. She noticed me and found a way to make things work for me.

Then there was my high-school drama teacher. I auditioned for a play my sophomore year, and even though I wasn’t a “theater nerd,” she gave me a chance. I had a booming voice and a big personality; those traits weren’t something most people liked about me, but she found a way to make them an asset.

Then, I remember my first business trip with the boss I worked for right after college. We were walking through the airport when he realized I wasn’t old enough to rent a car. “If customers ask, you’re 25.” I walked taller after that. He was confident I could do my job and invested time in developing me professionally.

Small Moments

I could go on with these stories, but the thing I notice about them is how small moments made a big difference in my life.

I’m pretty confident that none of those teachers, bosses, co-workers, or friends I could name would remember those significant moments. They were present, being generous, and rooting for me to succeed–but none of these were “big, pivotal moments.” We weren’t having serious conversations. They saw me and affirmed something true that I needed to hear.

If I’m lucky, I’ll have some chances this week to be present with someone who could use some encouragement. I might see the truth about someone, a truth that they might not yet be able to articulate. I want to remember my experiences and take the chance to have one of those small moments with them.

What Small Moments are happening for you right now?

When I think about my life right now, I get distracted by the challenges, disappointments, frustrations, and all the ways I’m inadequate. But when I slow down to look, those small moments of being seen, encouraging words, small wins, and steady progress are all over the place.

I don’t want to despise the small moments; they can build up to something pretty great!

Have a happy Thanksgiving. I hope your week is full of encouragement and gratitude.