“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
Proverbs 27:1
So often we chase after our next big moment in life. But the truth of the matter is, life is full of highs and lows, and everything in between. We live for those mountain-top experiences; we strive for success, accolades, promotions; we plan extravagant vacations where memories can be made. My recommendation is to cherish the mundane moments in life.
Now, don’t get me wrong – there’s nothing wrong with striving for achievements and the highs of life, but one thing is certain, life is unpredictable and you don’t always get to choose between the highs and the lows, so remember to embrace, and even seek after and make room for the mundane moments.
I actually find beauty in the mundane. I prefer a low-key, predictable lifestyle. That may seem boring to some, but to me, boring is good, especially when contrasted against busy, chaotic seasons of life.
Life is Full of Surprises
This past month has been one of those busy seasons, full plans, expectations, and battles. While we plowed ahead with all the things we had planned (as it was the last month of summer before the kids would go back to school), we also had to compensate and adjust for various surprises.
It started with our flight to Las Vegas being cancelled due to thunderstorms and flash-flooding. Rather than wait six hours for the next flight, my husband and I decided to make the 6 hour drive. The rest of the weekend went smoothly, and we were able to enjoy and relax during our short weekend getaway.
Upon returning home, our daughter points out a puddle in front of the refrigerator. Our freezer was literally melting out onto the floor! After getting two separate opinions that it could be repaired, and discovering that the parts we needed were obsolete, the determination was made that we had to buy a new fridge. So after living out of coolers for 1 1/2 weeks, our new fridge was installed yesterday.
In the midst of the fridge issue, we had planned another family trip to go camping. By this point, I was ready for some nature therapy, and even though it seemed like the whole entire world was working against us packing and getting on the road, we insisted that we needed to do this trip, and eventually made it to our campsite well after dark.
The next day we discovered that our camper fridge and our generator did not want to work. Unfortunately, my husband spent most of his time at the campsite researching camper fridges and generators.
Things have finally slowed down, and I look forward to having the most mundane weekend that I’ve had in awhile.
Try to Plan for the Mundane
For many years, I actually gave up on using a day planner. It felt like wasted effort. I would take the time to perfectly plan out my week, and then nothing would go as planned. It’s a discipline – to keep things consistent, stay on track, and also, to not overbook yourself.
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11
I am a natural planner and lover of the mundane. Yes, I actually plan for the mundane. I enjoy a quiet day alone, where I can just get lost in my thoughts. I sing and dance while I clean, and spend time reading, writing and playing the piano. It’s in these moments that I find true rest, and am able to prepare for whatever unexpected issue comes next.
Mundane Moments Prepare Us for the Unexpected
Believe me when I say, God really does prepare the way for us. Not only does He prepare the way, He prepares us! It’s in these mundane moments that we are to get ready for the unpredictable and unplanned.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
God knows what’s up ahead, and He works on us, so that that when we get to that mountain or sinkhole or river-crossing, we are better able to handle it and go through it.
“I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.” Jeremiah 10:23
Keep in mind, that He doesn’t expect us to do it alone – He’s right there with us the whole time.
Knowing that the highs (which we want) and the lows (which we can’t plan for) are going to come, let us not overlook those mundane moments, but instead take full advantage of them. Use them to rest up, assess and address your wounds from the last battle, and strengthen ourselves, reinforce our armour and sharpen our swords for the next.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness.” Ephesians 6:10-17
But always be ready, because you never know when the next battle is going to start, or how long it’s going to last.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
What do you think?