EMBRACE THE ORDINARY

11/4/09 Nothing much to say. That's what I, this too often verbose “blogger,” thought as I opened my laptop. Why? For the last few weeks, I have seemingly been caught up in one crisis after another. Crying out to God in fear, panic or pain. Today, none of that looms---just an ordinary day. What does one “do” with an ordinary day? Admission:---I haven’t even opened my Bible or Jesus Calling yet. Warning---Self-reliance can be so subtle!

Daddy’s mantra is “ I thank the good Lord for every day I have.” His days seem ordinary, to me---certainly routine. Yet, there is thankfulness in his everyday existence. In the midst of my MAC (cancer) crisis, I have been focused on seeing God’s hand. Will His hand be as easy to see when my days revert to the ordinary again? Will I only focus on being grateful on “Thankful Thursdays?”

Last week at Baylor Medical, a small card, labeled ΑΩ, was placed on one of my scrumptious “clear liquid” trays. The scripture (Psalm 118:24) read, “This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (NRSV) The prayer to the God of all Faithfulness ended with ….be empowered to live well this day.” As I pray this now, I ask God’s power and His strength as I begin this new day. I don’t even want to think of facing any day, even an ordinary one, without Him.

Most of life occurs somewhere between the pit of chaos/despair and the mountaintop of celebration. That’s where the commonplace is. That’s where I am today. That’s where God is. A recent e-mail from Michèle reminded me that she prays for me to have a renewed understanding of the beauty of life “that comes from simply being ALIVE and turned toward Him.”

May I embrace that prayer, today. May I embrace the ordinary. May I embrace Him.