One of my favorite Christmas movies is The Christmas Shoes. I especially love a quote from its writer, Donna VanLiere:
“If we are open to it, God can use even the smallest thing to change our lives… to change us. It might be a laughing child, car brakes that need fixing, a sale on a pot roast, a cloudless sky, a trip to the woods to cut down a Christmas tree, a school teacher, a Dunhill Billiard pipe.. or even a pair of shoes. Some people will never believe it. They may feel that such things are too trivial, simple, or insignificant to change a life forever. But I believe. And I always will.”
The key phrase that stands out is, “If we are open to it.” Change starts with a choice. It is a willingness to embrace change. It challenges us to examine our flaws, fears, and insecurities and recognize what needs to shift in our lives. We are nearing the end of this year and preparing for the next. Now is the perfect time for self-reflection. Taking the time to analyze our actions and habits allows us to stop repeating the same mistakes and opens the door for growth.
When we choose to accept change, our perspective transforms. Suddenly, we notice the miracles around us instead of focusing on what we lack. The catalyst for change can be anything, no matter how simple or insignificant it might seem. A moment of laughter, an unexpected opportunity, or even an ordinary pair of shoes can be the spark that sets transformation into motion. Change also brings forgiveness, not just for others but for ourselves. Forgiving ourselves for past mistakes begins a powerful healing process. And within that healing, we find peace, courage, strength, joy, and hope. Most importantly, we rediscover ourselves. In this place of healing, blessings start to flow because we have made room for them in our lives.
On the other side of change and healing lies something extraordinary: renewal, growth, and blessings waiting to unfold. But it all begins with a simple decision to be open to it. As we move forward, let us embrace the small, seemingly trivial moments that God uses to lead us to transformation. This 2025, let us take the first step toward becoming who we are supposed to be according to His will.
