Within the Ordinary

We read in The Book of Luke about Mary and Joseph bringing Jesus to the Temple to dedicate him. This was a normal, ordinary event for the birth of the first born son in a Jewish family. There they providentially meet Simeon and Anna, both of whom have been waiting to meet the Messiah. Their words speak such extraordinary into the ordinary. More for Mary to store up in her heart.

We experience the extraordinary in the ordinary every day of our lives if we are but aware. Generally, we do not get a “store this up” notification so we must “practice the presence of God” as Brother Lawrence joyfully modeled for us.

For example, as we breathe – a VERY ordinary activity – do we marvel at the extraordinary things that occur when we breathe? The oxygen entering our bodies, binding with components of our bloodstream, being pumped throughout?

One way to become more aware of the extraordinary within the ordinary of our lives, a way to practice the presence of God, is to actively engage in gratitude, especially for the seemingly little things in life. To notice. To practice the pause. To truly think about what is involved in, part of, those little things.

As we come into a new year from what seems to have been one of the hardest old years, may we notice. For me, actually writing down each day three things I am grateful for causes me to more often open my eyes, unstop my ears, soften my heart to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Thank You Father God for Your extraordinary surprises!