Celebrating Little Moments: The Beauty of Progress We Often Overlook

 

"I Woke Up with a Song"

The scenic Eastern road

Yesterday, as I was traveling in the Eastern province for work, it was already getting late. Along the well-paved roads of Rwanda’s Eastern Province known for its scenic, rolling landscapes, I noticed something that gripped my heart. At different moments during the journey, I saw men pushing bicycles weighed down with heavy loads. The strain on their faces, the slow, deliberate pace of their movements-everything spoke of hard labor and resilience.

From what I could tell, they were returning from the market, their bicycles loaded with goods. It struck me that this might be a routine for them-one they endure daily or several times a week. Their burdens looked unbearably heavy, yet they pushed on.

For a moment, I closed my eyes and whispered a quiet prayer: “Lord, give them strength and peace to carry on. May your blessings shower upon them, just as Colossians 3:23–24 reminds us: ‘Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

As the journey continued, my mind drifted to the many others I’ve encountered-whether in Kigali or remote villages-who labor tirelessly to provide for their families. I often find myself offering silent prayers for them too, hoping they feel seen, even if just for a moment.

A few days ago, while out for my early morning jog, I passed by a familiar group of women. I’d seen them before-different ages, but always together, always early. This time, I slowed down and asked where they were headed. One of them smiled and replied, “We’re going to the construction site. We work as mason's assistants.”

I wished them well and continued on, but their image stayed with me.

The early birds women😊

Seeing the men on bicycles yesterday brought all those memories back. It reminded me of how incredibly privileged I am. Yes, I work too, but my conditions are vastly different. I felt a renewed sense of gratitude-and a deeper yearning for peace and fairness for all.

This morning, I woke up with a song in my heart. That’s not unusual for me, songs often find their way into my spirit when something has stirred me deeply. Today, it was “Let It Rain” by Michael W. Smith. The lyrics echo a simple, powerful plea: “Let it rain, open the floodgates of Heaven.”

The song employs the metaphor of rain to symbolize the outpouring of God's presence and blessings. The recurring line, “Let it rain, open the floodgates of Heaven,” reflects a deep yearning for spiritual renewal and divine intervention, emphasizing the desire for God's abundant grace and mercy. It reminded me of Malachi 3:10, which speaks of God opening the heavens and pouring out blessings too great to contain.

Perhaps that’s what my soul was reaching for-a floodgate of blessing, not just for me, but for those men on the road, those women on their way to the construction site, and everyone carrying a heavy load today.

So, I ask you:

What is your prayer today?
Have you ever woken up with a song in your spirit, one that felt like it came from Heaven itself?

Maybe, like me, that’s the gentle way God speaks-through the song, through the journey, through the people we meet.

Let it rain!