Lessons in the Mundane

My life feels anything but “mundane” at the moment. In fact, if I’m completely honest, “in over my head and overwhelmed” better describe my sense of being during this season. Our move to D.C. feels more like a face-off with a locomotive than an adventure; the original date for Judah’s surgery was cancelled due to miscommunication in the doctor’s office, so his surgery date is now this upcoming week –when Neil is out of town; and I still have forms to fill out for school to school transfers, meetings to attend, and more packing to do. Oh, and I’m still working on rehoming our cats. Needless to say, my family has found me a wee bit on the grumpy side of life these past few days.

I hate being grumpy. It makes me… well, grumpier. Grrr…

I got together with some of my writing buddies this last week, and we all took thirty minutes to write about mundane moments not to be forgotten. I kinda laughed under my breath as I began thinking about a mundane part of my daily routine. Here’s what I wrote:

Waiting for my alarm to sound. A few minutes pass. Still waiting. Nothing. Without cracking my lids, I can tell it’s still dark. Wonder what time it is. What do I do while waiting for that hideous buzzer? If I allow myself to fall asleep again, I just know I’ll oversleep through my device’s a.m. greeting.

Faces of friends fill my already too busy brain. Cancer. Heart breaks. Emotional struggles. Something inside me nudges me to pray, pray, pray. Then through the back door, as though forced, stumbles thoughts that should never be allowed to enter. Battle ensues. Pray or indulge. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve chosen the latter.

How often does this picture reflect the moments throughout my day? How often when my heart perceives whispers of the Holy Spirit do I indulge my senses to the point of complete distraction? Eat to escape sound pollution? Turn up the T.V. to drown out inner callings? Busy my hands to avoid stillness? Read social media to avoid confrontation of Truth from God’s Word?

Choices. Always there are choices. With so much coming down Life’s super highway, I’d better begin this day wisely.

I dare open my eyes just enough to read the digital numbers on my phone. Thirty-nine minutes until my device blasts, obnoxiously vibrating my end table. A Scripture comes to mind settling my unrest and kicking out intruding thoughts. Psalm 28:7 says, “The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.”

Hmmm…

I choose His joy, slam the door shut on unwelcome guests of thought, and begin praying for each friendly face that pops into my head. The most mundane moment just set the tone for my entire day.