Trading Ashes for Beauty

Even the definition sounds a bit…well, boring.  I think we are becoming accustomed to think of the day-to-day or the ordinary as boring and undesirable.  Everything pushes us to examine, and re-examine, our ordinary – our routine – in order to tweak it, improve it or, truth be told, make it more like someone else’s normal.  There is so much pressure not “to settle” – certainly not to be content.

Contentment seems to be a constant battle for me.  Apparently, for many.  But I know, for me, there always seems to be a need for the reminder to be content.  Content with not only the things I have, but also the stage of life I am in and where God has me right now.  I stay so focused on what might be ahead, and that whatever happens today is simply preparing me for tomorrow….that I miss the joy of today!!

My mother’s love language was food. The planning, the preparing, even the shopping for food. (Yes, that explains a lot!)  Whenever we were coming for a visit, she would begin, weeks in advance, making menus – for all three meals of the day.  She included everyone’s favorites and some new treats, as well.  By the way, she was an amazing cook!  Every evening ended with a wonderful meal with everyone too far past full; however, before anyone could even leave the table, Mom would say something like, “sooo, for breakfast tomorrow….”  Oh my.

I know, she was totally in her element!  And, I so miss her meals.  But isn’t that the perfect picture of how we miss the joy right in front of us??   We miss all the beauty and blessings – no matter how small or routine – that are in today.  This moment.  I read this quote in a devotional today (another gentle reminder…)


“Perhaps living inside a regular day in which nothing of earth-moving significance happens is at the heart of all that is truly meaningful and extraordinary.   The glory of life is found quite simply in the ordinary moments.”  – Carol Burton McLeod

What a wonderful thought to ponder all day….this regular day.  I want to look for, and then savor, all that is ordinary and routine today.  It can’t simply be a thought on my coffee mug – blessed.   Yes, I am blessed.  And I want to be content with – and fully enjoy – all the blessings of this day!

These were my thoughts on totday’s FMF prompt:  routine.  I went a tad longer but really wanted to include the memory of my mother.  She loved us well – with every meal, every dish and every labor of love from her kitchen.  I miss her.