Today I’m knee-deep in the ordinary…in the mundane. Maybe you are like me, changing diapers, making macaroni and cheese, cleaning up toys all the day long. Or maybe you are sitting at a desk working 8-5 watching the time pass oh so slowly (I’ve been there!) Maybe you are like me and keep seeing things over social media about “making goals for 2014” and the only goal you have in mind is to make dinner tonight. Maybe you aren’t any of these things, but I sure am. Lately I’ve been in some sort of slump about how small my day-to-day life seems. But on the other hand, how wonderful and blessed I am to be able to do the “little” and “small” things. My mom sent me a quote this morning and couldn’t have been more perfect.
“The discovery of God lies in the daily and the ordinary, not in the spectacular and he heroic. If we cannot find God in the routines of home and shop, then we will not find Him at all.” ~Richard Foster.
Yikes. I guess it’s time for me to start looking for Him in my usual and not always exiting routine. That’s my prayer today. My prayer is an attitude change, and to find contentment and beauty in the ordinary of today.
Ooh… that’s a good quote. I need to look for Him more in my “every day.” I think everyone feels this way at some point, though, no matter what their “ordinary” looks like. I’m sitting at a messy desk, on my third cup of tea today, chugging through work from home… that’s my ordinary. Sometimes it feels fun and fresh. And I truly DO love it. But sometimes, it’s a struggle to be content… to not wonder if I shouldn’t be doing something else. And that often comes from comparison and looks like “doing something else like _________.” I think we both know how that goes. ;) Your ordinary is exactly where God wants you to be right now – so is mine. And while we’re in these places of mac and cheese and answering e-mails, we’ll see what He wants to reveal to us. These moments are no greater or no less than the other. Your making mac and cheese is just as important as me typing at the computer for a client. It’s different, sure, but we’re different people with different callings in these seasons. Be blessed today, sweet friend. You’re being faithful in the small things, and He will bless you in them! xoxo
I know EXACTLY what you mean.
I’ve been in that slump lately myself… in fact, God just pulled me up and out of my slump this morning. It is SO hard to be a mommy and wife, along with juggling all of the other responsibilities outside of motherhood and marriage. It can easily become overwhelming. Thank God for encouraging moms who pray and send us uplifting quotes!
Don’t worry, friend, you’re not the only one whose current life goals simply involve getting dinner on the table.
(((hugs)))
Ah, so glad I am not the only one who feels this way!! Thank you for your uplifting words and encouragement, Becky!! :) Blessings!!! ~Arielle
The “repetivness” of any lifestyle, makes one weary at times!! That’s a normal feeling and does not diminish the fact that your heart is in to those demands of everyday life. I was a single working Mom,,, and to this day have guilty feelings for my shortcomings!! The only “ONE” that we will be perfect to… is in the eyes of GOD!!! Through his grace! You’re Awesome!! Love ya!
Though I don’t comment often- I love your blog :)
I wish I could have more time for the “little things”- it seems like my life only consists of work and more work. One day you will look back at this time in your life with fond adoration- This time you are able to spend with your boys is something both you and them will cherish. I hope your spirit is renewed as we roll into the New Year! xoxo
Thank you so much for your encouragement and kind words, Britney!! :)
thanks for this…as i’m sitting here after putting the babe to bed & enjoying a cup of tea fretting about not fitting in at a brunch tomorrow full of people i used to feel so connected to because my life has become so “small” now that i’m a stay a home mom…i needed that. none of this is small…and if it is, it’s wonderfully small….
I’m glad I am not the only one that feels this way!! Keep pressing on and I hope you are blessed! :) ~ Arielle
Thankyou for sharing that quote and your thoughts. This is much more inspiring and encouraging than planning to go on more adventures and take more chances. My life is so ‘small’ too, small but deliberately placed and valuable.
“Maybe you are like me and keep seeing things over social media about “making goals for 2014″ and the only goal you have in mind is to make dinner tonight.”
YES! haha. I feel the same way often. But you, your mom, that quote are all right – none of this is small work! It is kingdom work. You are raising boys that will grow up and be men of God, raising families who love Jesus. Praise God for such a wonderful calling! Keep up the great work. :)
Contentment is “learned” as Paul says in phillipians. it is something that throug hexperience we teach ourselves to do. Paul had to learn to be content. I think for many ladies we think its “greener on the other side”. we are never happy. The sermon on sunday from my church was about contentment in this new year and finding peace in where God has you, 1) Contentment is found in the prodivdence of God. 2) Contentment is found in the power of God. 3) Contentment is found in the promises of God. A heart that is content rejoices in the Lord. It is an ongoing struggle for many of us, but with the Holy spirits power we can be content and be happy where GOd has placed each one of us. For me it is being single at 22 (with no prospects hehe ) at my church. I want to be a wife so bad, and i have to trust God and wait. :) .. and be content. <3
That’s beautiful!! And I definitely agree :)
thank you for sharing this quote! happy 2014!
Thank you! :)
Loved that quote. sighs, so timely.
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