Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Every Little Thing by April Jeppson

I’ve been working on a huge project for months now, and for the first time, I feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s that warm, promising glow that says, “You’re almost there,” and honestly, it’s a feeling I didn’t think I’d get to for a while. Projects like this aren’t just about the work — they’re about what you discover along the way. And let me tell you, I’ve learned so much — not just about the subject matter, but about myself.

When I first started, I was equal parts excited and intimidated. The scope of this thing felt enormous, and if I’m being honest, I questioned whether I had bitten off more than I could chew. But isn’t that always the case when you’re doing something worthwhile? It reminds me of a quote by Maya Angelou: “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” That essentially became my mantra on the hard days, the ones where progress felt painstakingly slow, and I wondered if I was making any impact at all.

This project has been my teacher in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve learned the power of persistence, the importance of asking for help and the beauty of finding creative solutions when Plan A doesn’t pan out. It also reminded me to appreciate the process. Sometimes I got so caught up in the outcome that I forgot to notice the small victories along the way — like nailing a detail I’d been stuck on for weeks or discovering a resource that made the next steps smoother.

You know how people always talk about climbing mountains? How it’s all about the journey, not the summit? I used to think that was just something people said to sound wise. But lately, I’ve been thinking about the actual act of hiking. Imagine you’re halfway up a steep trail, your legs are burning, and you’re seriously regretting not bringing more snacks. But then you stop for a second, look around, and realize the view is already incredible. You haven’t made it to the top, but in that moment, it doesn’t matter. You’re surrounded by beauty and reminded that each step — no matter how hard— is part of the reward.

This project has been a lot like that hike. I started out laser-focused on the summit, thinking that reaching the end was all that mattered. But along the way, I’ve had those little “pause and look around” moments — times when I’ve been surprised by how much I’ve learned, how far I’ve come, how helpful people really are and how much I’ve grown. The summit is still important, sure, but the journey is turning out to be just as meaningful.

As I near the end, I feel a mix of relief and gratitude. Relief because the finish line is finally within reach, and gratitude because I’ve come out of this stronger, more knowledgeable and maybe a little braver than I was before. This project has been a challenge, but it’s also been a gift — a reminder that the most meaningful journeys are the ones where we grow along the way.

Albert Lean April Jeppson is a wife, mom, coach and encourager of dreams. Her column appears every Saturday.