A Progress is a Progress No Matter How Small
“A progress is a progress no matter how small.”
I can still remember hearing this line from a senior I am very close with back when I was still studying. For some, it may not mean anything, but for someone like me who puts so much pressure on herself, it made a difference.
As I write this blog, today also marks my second month serving as a young adult volunteer at the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, under the Program Unit of Christian Unity and Ecumenical Relations.
In my two months of serving as a volunteer, I have been exposed to a lot of activities in and outside churches and institutions. Each day, I find myself learning more about the culture and ministries of NCCP, as well as the communities and groups they are working closely with.
Working with communities and groups is not new to me, given my experience in the ministries of our local church, the organizations I joined in college, and my past volunteer work with United Women in Faith — Asia and Pacific. But despite the familiarity, the excitement remains the same, and the learnings I gain every day are new.
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Recently, I was tasked to lead the logistics committee for one of our major events this month — the Installation of the new Dean of Chaplains of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines. I was entrusted with the budgeting as well as coordinating with the people who played an important role in the event. I had to learn the technical terms and tasks, including how to process reimbursements, request program funds, submit proper liquidation, request quotations from different caterers, and handle other finance tasks that our program will need from time to time.
Even though it took so much of my energy and time, given the lack of staff we have, the experience was fulfilling — being able to deliver a big event with almost 70 people present, including bishops and church leaders.
I know in myself that I still have so much to learn and unlearn in my journey as a volunteer staff. But as one of my favorite quotes remind me, “A progress is a progress no matter how small.”
This simple message is a reminder to give myself grace to learn — responding to mistakes, confusion, and slow progress with patience and kindness. We are all a work in progress in the eyes of God. It is only right to also view things the same way our gracious God sees us, extending love and grace to those who need it, including ourselves.
