Just an Ordinary Day...

"The Sacredness of Ordinary" by Pema Chodron
Rejoicing in ordinary things is not sentimental or trite.It actually takes guts. Each time we drop our complaints and allow everyday good fortune to inspire us, we enter the warrior's world. We can do this even at the most difficult moments. Everything we see, hear, taste, and smell has the power to strengthen and uplift us.

Once upon a time, if I needed a break I would jump into my car and head out for a cup of coffee, or to a park, or go see a movie, or shop. But living up on the mountain away from suburbia and living in the rhythm of a much simplier lifestyle, I find that I am learning to find the 'sacredness of the ordinary' in my daily life. Sometimes it's just going to feed the animals or watching the baby kittens wrestle with each other. I'm learning to be aware of what I'm doing, even if it's just washing a counter top or hanging up our clothes on the clothesline (haha to all those homeowner's associations that won't allow THAT!). Today, I found this in my daily devotional also:

"The common drudgery of daily life can be a Divine Calling. We often speak of a young man as "being called to the Ministry"; but it is as fitting to speak of a carpenter being called to the bench, the blacksmith to the forge, and the shoemaker to his last. "Brethren," said the Apostle, "let every man wherein he is called, therin abide with God." Remember that your life has been appointed by God's wise providence. God as much sent Joseph to the drudgery and discipline of the prison as to the glory and responsibility of the palace. Nothing happens to us which is not included in His plan for us; and the incidents which seem most tiresome are often contrived to give us opportunities to become nobler, stronger characters. We are called to be faithful in performing our assigned duties. Not brillance, not success, not notoriety which attracts the world's notice, but the regular, quiet, and careful performance of trivial and common duties; faithfulness in that which is least is as great an attainment in God's sight as in the greatest.....Take up your work, then, you who seem to be the nobodies, the drudges, the maid-of-all-work, the clerk, or shop assistant. Do it with a brave heart,looking up to Him who for many years toiled at the carpenter's bench. Amid the many scenes and actions of life, set the Lord always before your face. Do all as in His presence, and to win His smile; and be sure to cultivate a spirit of love to God and man. Look out for opportunities of cheering your fellow-workers. Do not murmur or grumble, but let your heart rise from your toil to God your Maker, Savior, and Friend. So the lowliest service will glisten, as grass-blades do when sun and dewdrops garnish them. - Fred Meyer


Have a Blessed, Sacred, Ordinary Day!!!!