notesbynora

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24

We spend a lot of our lives waiting for something – the vacation, the celebration, the answer to prayer, the big opportunity, the day when things finally settle down. Meanwhile, life is happening on an ordinary Tuesday.

Life is happening over a cup of coffee at the kitchen table or while folding towels. It’s happening in the carpool line, at the grocery store, feeding the dog, answering emails, and figuring out what in the world everybody is going to eat for supper.

We can become so focused on the extraordinary moments that we overlook the sacredness of ordinary ones. 

My husband, Rolando, is the best at ordinary, every day, minute-by-minute life, and he is grateful for each and every one. He once told me, “I’d watch paint dry if it meant I could be with you.” 

When we are working in the garden, he will look over at me and whisper, “I’m so grateful for this time with you and the jalapeños that will surely grow soon.” 

Jesus gave us this example throughout His earthly life. Before the miracles and crowds, there were years of ordinary days – family meals, carpentry work, conversations, worship, and relationships. God was present in all of it, and He is present in ours.

Maybe today doesn’t look particularly exciting. Maybe there is nothing circled on your calendar. Maybe nobody is coming to visit, and nothing remarkable is expected to happen.

But you’re here. There are people to love, small kindnesses to give, laughter you haven’t heard yet, and work worth doing.

There is a God who has already stepped into this ordinary day ahead of you. 

Sometimes the greatest blessings of our lives are disguised as completely ordinary days.

Don’t hurry through today waiting for something better. Look around. God is already here.

— Nora