Author’s Note:

Recently, I wrote a post about a record store experience that made me recognize and appreciate the process and journey that I am on. That post sparked a series through which God is continuing to lead and speak through something as simple as a stack of vinyls. Here is part five of “For the Record.”

Weight For It

It’s pretty public information at this point but if you missed it, my family is moving from Omaha, Nebraska to Asheville, North Carolina. It’s been five years since our last “big” move and we’re really hoping this one is the last one for a very long time. The worst part about moving is obviously the packing¹. As I was packing up my office, I came to the part where I needed to pack and move my records. Packing and moving these records showed me a few things that I either didn’t know or just took for granted.

First, records are heavy. I have amassed a collection of 60 total albums. While I haven’t counted the actual records (some albums have multiple discs), I am going to guess my collection is somewhere in the ballpark of 100 actual discs. I moved them in a plastic bin and regretted not getting a dolly or cart with every step. Soon I’ll get to pack and move them again and I promise you there will be simple machines involved. Lesson learned.

The second thing I recognized is that I am rather impressed with my collection. While 60 albums is a relatively insignificant collection to a “real collector,” it is significant to me. Some of these albums are older than I am and were passed down from my mom or dad. These bear a special significance because these albums are the soundtracks of my childhood. They remind me of the days when I would dance awkwardly in the living room or sing loudly in my bedroom hoping no one was listening. Most of these albums I bought myself because they fulfill my stringent guidelines and connect me with my favorite artists.

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As I looked at my collection I remembered buying those first few albums. I remembered when I owned two, five, and eventually ten total albums. I remembered seeing the collections of other people and thinking mine would never stack up. Then I looked at my current collection and realized something critical.

Whether you are building a collection, a skill, or your character, you have to do it one step at a time.

For the most part, I have built my record collection one, maybe two, albums at a time. Sure, there have been some moments where I take a leap instead of a step forward. I’ll find a thrift store with some hidden gems and buy three or four. I think I brought home 15-20 albums when my parents gave me selections from their collections. But by and large, I built this thing one album at a time.

What are you building right now? Are you trying to level up a habit? Are you trying to build a platform, grow your leadership, develop your character, or improve a skill? Are you trying to get in shape, write a book, or start a podcast? All of these things happen one step at a time.

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I won’t say there are no shortcuts or fast passes. There will be times when you are able to take a big step or even a giant leap forward. There will be times when you connect with the right person, unlock a new hack, or find a better system. These moments should be celebrated and appreciated but we have to understand, they are not the norm. The norm is the day-to-day small steps that move you just a little closer to your goals than you were yesterday.

As I share this experience, I am reminded of the encouragement in Zechariah 4:10. It says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” This message came to the prophet Zechariah as the people of Israel were rebuilding the temple. They had not come very far and still had a long way to go but eventually, they would complete it. Just like every great collection starts with one great find, every great story starts with a small beginning. No matter where you are in the process, don’t give up.

I love my record collection. It reminds me that progress is not always linear or perfectly incremental and it is hardly ever fast. So, whatever you are building, respect the process. Celebrate the small steps that you are taking each day. Commit to those steps and stay strong as you take them. Remember, the journey is just as, if not more, important than the destination!

1. You can disagree but you would be wrong. Seriously, what’s worse? Tell me in the comments.

Notes:

*This post is part of a series of posts called “For the Record.” This series is all about what I have learned through the hobby of collecting vinyl records. “For the Record” captures the heart of what the “This Awesome Life” blog and podcast is all about; hearing God speak through everyday moments. Use the links below to read the other posts in this series:

Part 1: The Thrill of the Hunt.
Part 2: Going All In.
Part 3: No Skips
Part 4: No Turning Back
Part 6: Setting the Record Straight