Ordinary Day
There is some wisdom we only acquire with age, but that doesn’t mean we’ll listen to our elders. Sometimes, we must learn for ourselves; knowledge only comes with experience. We often celebrate the extraordinary event or significant achievement by marking the occasion with gratitude. But how often do we pause and acknowledge the simplicity and ease of an ordinary day?
Bad news surrounds us each day. A series of tragedies has plagued many in our community lately. We’ve received news of miscarriages, cancer diagnoses, and the death of a young mother. Many are struggling financially or facing major life decisions. These are life-changing events we don’t want or expect. They consume our thoughts and disrupt our lives. Our routines, rituals and habits fly out the window. We are disconnected, and that only intensifies our stress and anxiety.
There’s no way around it.
We can’t control what happens to us; inevitably, we will all face bad news or tragic circumstances. But we’ve also been given quiet days without extraordinary worries or concerns. The regular rhythm of our day keeps us grounded. If we focus on the ordinary while we have it, we can transform our experience of suffering when it comes along.
We must learn to give thanks for the small things that make our lives comfortable and easy. Our gratitude list could contain things like:
The alarm clock went off at the right time
The toilet flushed
There is hot water in the shower
There is no rain in the forecast
All of this before we leave the bedroom in the morning.
Honor the regular, ordinary days of your life, which are filled with seemingly menial tasks, by thinking of the alternatives. (You’ve probably seen this list before, but it’s a good reminder.)
Did you change the sheets? - You woke up in your own bed.
Do you have dishes to wash? - You ate food today.
Do you have laundry to fold? - You have clothes to wear.
If your life has ever been disrupted by something out of your control, you understand this peace and gratitude. Think of the times you’ve yearned to return to the mundane, boring life you knew before, when things were simple. Stop and acknowledge the gift while it is present. These days make up most of our life, and each one is precious.
