An Ordinary Day is an Extraordinary Day!
By Dawn Neely
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs… Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. Psalm 100:1-4 (NASV)
The decorations are put away. Wrapping paper, bows, tape and name tags are in the attic for another year. Parties are past and we welcome a New Year. We have returned to our normal routines.
I remember when I was younger and thought I knew more than I did, a “Thought for the Day” appeared on my devotion calendar. It read,
“Thank God for a normal day.”
I remember thinking to myself, “What does that mean?”
Until I did not have a normal day.
So I want to stop and ask you to help me celebrate and recognize a “normal” day… an ordinary day.
It begins with routine. Things that you usually do on auto-pilot. No real crises, just packing lunch, making sure breakfast is nutritious, waving good-bye as your children go to school, or kissing your husband good-bye as he leaves for work. Or maybe your normal is getting dressed for work, and finding an outfit with no wrinkles, clean and stylish that you will feel good about wearing today.
There is a moment to pause and thank God for His touches of love.
You actually complete tasks that have been hovering over you like an unwelcomed virus. Friends call just to chat, your Bible study is anointed and is exactly what you need for the day. Children arrive home unscathed, busily chattering about friends and upcoming games and an “A” on a test that was a challenge. Things at work go well and there is a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Your home is filled with love and laughter, and as you reflect on the day, you can rejoice!
I hope we will appreciate the “ordinary” days more often, pausing more readily to stand and stare and to enjoy the little things that are so easily able to stumble pass when we are focused on ourselves. May we remember our “ordinary “days when storms arrive, and to be sure normalcy will return. Let us be grateful and reach out to the joy of living.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father, Thank You for a normal day. Thank You for the rhythm of Your creation and the reality of Your love and steadfastness toward us. Help us to recognize the immenseness of Your love and Your watch care over us. As we move from day to day, may we celebrate Your love and days that are without stress or fear. Help us to thank You for and recognize those ordinary days in our lives. For we know they are from You. You are such a loving God! Thank You Father, In Jesus’ name, Amen.
© 2020 by Dawn Neely. All rights reserved.
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