Lean into the Ordinary
"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them." Matthew 6:1
Insight
A few years ago, my husband and I moved into a bit of a fixer-upper. We knew there were projects, and we eagerly accepted those. Both of us wanted to be hands-on and loved dreaming of the possibilities of what our home could be. We had ideas on paint colors, adding a bathroom, and maybe even a sunroom extended off the dining area. We knew the costs; we had saved our money, and we were ready to take the leap. The things we didn't account for, though, were mold remediation and siding replacement. We didn't plan for new ductwork or having to purchase a dehumidifier for our crawl space. All these things were essential for our family to live in the home, but none encompassed our dreams' shiny new things.
We often look at our relationship with God this way. We want the mountain top experiences and the big ah-ha moments, but we don't love the idea of showing up every day when things aren't as picture-perfect. Instead, we like getting results and having something to show for all our hard work.
At times, I can be more excited about a women's event than I am to daily open my Bible and wait to hear from God. I may be quicker to sign up for a family camp than to disciple my children daily in the mundane moments of changing diapers. Even a marriage retreat can at times feel easier than putting forth the effort to connect with my husband at the end of yet another busy day. It isn't that women's events or family camps or even marriage retreats are bad, but God wants to connect with us personally. He is eager to shape and form who we are becoming in the little moments and those big moments.
Today’s passage is challenging us to lean into the ordinary instead of waiting for the extraordinary. Our new home needed behind-the-scenes work, basic functions of the house. In the same way, I think our walk with God requires us to tend first to the behind the scenes, basic tasks of living life with God. We don't need to show off the big flashy, exciting things we are doing; instead, we need to focus on God's foundational things within our hearts.
Reflection
What behind-the-scenes work does God need to do within your heart?
Prayer
God, thank you for always meeting me where I am. I know that You are in the little details of my everyday life. I pray for eyes to see you in those moments. I desire the contentment to rest in my connection with you instead of looking for others to validate that. God, You alone are enough, and I thank You for the work You are doing in my heart. Amen.
Katie Robinson, Children's Ministry Home Coordinator, wrote today's devotional.