"The difference between
ordinary and extraordinary
is just a little extra"
I wish I could say this truth came to me all on my own, without any trials, troubles, or struggles. However that is not the case at all. I mean...honestly, who doesn't think, I would love to do something extraordinary? Then there are many of us that go through life wanting to be extraordinary and just live an everyday ordinary life.
This is was me, wanting to do something so much more, wanting to do something amazing....
This is was me, wanting to do something so much more, wanting to do something amazing....
but I was trapped in my ordinary life.....
everyday....
doing nothing "extra" at all!!
I failed to recognize one critical thing, I was so focused on the the Finish Line that I was letting the journey pass right before my eyes, without even noticing its importance..... its value.... or the little extra in everyday.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Recently a lady I look up to in my christian walk used this verse and helped me understand the value of the journey. This Psalm tells us that God will lead us and guide us, He will light my path and show me the way. I have heard this verse compared to being in the dark while camping, we use a flashlight to see in front of us. Each step we take is guided by the light from the flashlight, just as God guides our steps. However, We can only see so far forward with the light from a flashlight, taking each step carefully not knowing what three steps ahead might lead too. This is also true in our Christian walk, we take each step with the guidance of God, with Him leading us, not knowing what we are walking into or what three steps ahead holds. We put our trust in Him and keep moving forward by the light he guides us with.
the point I had been missing all along....
Why does God not show me more then just a step by step light or guidance? I mean He knows my future, He knows my purpose and what extraordinary things my life holds, why wouldn't He just show me? What I am asking for is a giant flood light, to light the whole way, to show me my plan, the purpose He has for me in my life!
If we knew what God had planned for us, the purpose he has for us, the extraordinary things our life would hold....we would probably turn around and run as fast as our feet could carry us the other direction.
Mathew 6:34
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
We are not to take thought of tomorrow, or what tomorrow shall hold. I however, was taking thought not only of tomorrow, but everyday after. In the process I was watching my life flash before my eyes, time was flying by so fast, all I wanted to do was slow it down....but I could not. It was not until I looked back on all the years wishing I could have them back, wishing I could live them over again, I could enjoy the moments, the memories, the smiles, the laughter, even just for a moment. I realized I had rushed through so many of them, I was so eager to see what the future held, that I did not take the time to appreciate what was right in front of me.
Its like opening presents on Christmas morning, you are so excited to see what you is in the next present, that you don't take the time to enjoy the the current present you are opening or receiving.
God has blessed me with me with a wonderful husband, amazing children, family, and some of the best friends a girl could ask for. I serve in a great ministry helping people, I have always been blessed with the opportunity to serve others. I however did not always see it that way, to easily I became discouraged with what life had given me. I looked around to see other people doing what seemed like extraordinary things. Having businesses, big houses, becoming doctors, or lawyers, perfect families that had it all together, kids that were never sick, misbehaved, always dressed nice, never struggled, lived pay check to pay check, or had to tell their kids, you can't do that.....we don't have the money for it.
Somewhere in all of this I got lost in the negative, the what I don't have, instead of focusing on what I do have. I had to realize...What measures extraordinary?
A little "Extra"
What I had, what God has given me.... was extraordinary!
I may not be a buisness owner, have life all together, or have all the answers...but if I live every day, surrendered to God, doing His will, there is nothing more extraordinary I can do. Whatever job I am given, whether it be a preschool teacher, assistant, mail opener, mom, wife, or a garbage man, I need to do it with all my heart. With an attitude of gratitude, thankful that God picked me to have that job. He could have picked anybody to be the mother to my children, or the wife to my husband. He could have picked anyone to teach those little children everyday, or be an assistant to others. But he didn't, he picked me!! I should not only be honored, I should do my very best everyday, to not only let Him know I am thankful, but to let my husband, children, work mates, friends, family, even strangers we see on the streets. I am honored to be given such precious cargo to care for, God gave me all of these things to care for, love, and do until He is ready to call me or them home. When I get to Heaven, I want Him to be proud of the job I did, handling the tasks He has placed before me. I also want my husband, children, friends, relatives, and strangers on the street to look back and not only be proud as well, but to see the importance and value of all the little things God has placed in their lives.
I wish I could say I always valued life and the small and large tasks God has given me, unfortunately I have not. The good news is....it is never to late to start! We serve a God whose mercies are new everyday!
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Whatever it is you do, no matter the plan or purpose God has given you, be thankful for it, even in the hardest of times...be thankful! God would not bring you too it if He could not see see you through it. Trust Him, keep looking to His light at your feet, and step by step, walking by faith, He will show you the way.
Give the little extra, making the most of everyday, the memories you make know will be the ones that stay with your loved ones forever, the attitude and service you have now will be what you are remembered by. This will be your legacy. While my life may not seem extraordinary right now, I know when I get to Heaven I want hear....
...Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Making the little "extra"....
the extraordinary....
where it really matters
