The wonder of everyday life

by Tina Y. Gerber - McCurley

A quiet, enduring wonder lives in everyday life. Those moments which help ground you and make ordinary days into a beautiful life. God breaks us down so He can build us back up. He cleans away the cob webs of our lives before revealing His plan.

Why do we rush? Nothing changes, but everything feels different. We know the earth still turns, and the sun shines even when we feel struck, whether it's from loneliness, stress, or illness. What have you been rushing past? You don't need an occasion, an event, or a political movement; listen to God's quiet whisperings. Love doesn't always shout. Sometimes it walks beside you, teaching us how to see.

Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This verse redirects focus from human anxiety, or having little faith, to God's sovereign presence and power as a secure footing. God teaches lessons through various means, in Scripture and tradition, focusing on spiritual growth, character building and a relationship with Him as we walk through a combination of Scripture, life experiences, reflection, and community guidance.

In suffering, God graciously uses trials to produce sweet fruit in our lives; lessons often happen in daily, mundane routines, like your job, in the garden, baking with your grandchildren, interactions with difficult or even encouraging people, that l-o-n-g waiting period, and often during quiet reflection. God is good and uses His word rather than chaos or sickness to instruct.

Next time you visit with a friend, ask them, "How is God working in your life today?" Some will say, "There are no mistakes, just learning opportunities and that is a positive approach, but to really learn, you must apply those lessons in your life.