Holding on to the little things throughout the day are what can give us peace and contentment. Even in a season when things don’t feel so significant, having a daily regime or plan can create calmness. We are reminded to drink our water for optimal health, take in 30 minutes of exercise, and eat more vegetables. Perhaps your current daily routine is simply surviving online schooling with your kids, or perhaps you are retired and have a whole lot more time than you ever envisioned. Sticking to a rough routine can keep your mind fit and anxieties at ease. As we are creatures of habit, revolving our days around some elements of sameness can be a great way to power through a goal, or simply draw in contentment during a pandemic.
My days have been scheduled around my 14-month-old daughter. Bedtime, nap-time, snack time and bath time are all expected daily routines in our home. From an early age, studies show that children respond well to routine; with the expectation of what comes next, there is a feeling of safety and security that comes with schedule. As we grow into adulthood there can be pressure to becoming and doing something significant with our lives. As we all know, comparison is the thief of joy. It’s easy to feel as though your life, or season isn’t as glamorous as the next person’s, as we observe what others have accomplished. I’m reminded that it is the little things that we do each day that matter – our disciplines, our faith, our manners, our resiliency.
“Do not ask your children
to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable,
but it is the way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder
and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting
tomatoes, apples and pears.
Show them how to cry
when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure
in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.”
―William Martin
To be content whatever the circumstances, is the challenge today, and what I’ve spoken over myself as I take a small break from writing our devotions. On a personal note, ‘our little things’ will be a new baby that my husband and I will be welcoming into our family in several weeks – and we’d welcome your prayers as we deliver during this pandemic. I’m grateful for the love and support our church community continually gives our family, and the contentment of home this during this season. I look forward to continuing in this writing role later in the year. Yet, for this season, I’ll be stepping back to make room for a joy-filled, stay-at-home routine in our household!
I encourage you to keep pressing on, and taking each day in strides. Our mission field is where we find ourselves now, and each day has significance. Don’t lose hope.
“… have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:11-13 NIV