Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

The Blessing of the Ordinary

Posted on By jennifer
Routine.  Otherwise, often thought of as “the ordinary.”  The typical, the normal, or the day-to-day. 

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.

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Comments (4)

  1. Ouch! I am learning contentment too, and it isn't easy. 🙂 I enjoyed the memories of your mother. Thanks for going the extra minute/mile. 🙂

  4. "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 great quote! I need contentment reminders, too, evidently.

    FMF #63

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