I have been selfish.
Lately I have been thinking about all of the things that I haven’t done or seen in my lifetime.
I haven’t gone to this fantastic place or seen that magnificent sight or met that awesome person. They are cool with their perfect insta-home or heart-warming stories. I would love just to graze by a bit.
Jealousy has followed. My brain aches for adventure even though my body can’t quite get there due to lack of funds, scoffing outside attitudes, and the fact that I have been staying at home with children underfoot for 18 years.
Shortly after some bitterness started taking a rapid hold, the Lord nudged me with my real truth. He showed me that my longings may be out there, but my burdens are right within reach. Those little ones that have destroyed the living-room, fussed at each other in the bathroom, and giggled well into the night is where my heart truly rests. There is nothing mundane about the burden for home.
I have poured my life into them since I felt the first butterfly kick inside my womb. Life got brighter as my budget changed. Love grew stronger with each new being my husband and I created. Priorities changed as our nest grew.
The world no longer beckoned as it once did. Midnight snuggles, drying tears, and daily activities filled my heart and my time for years. Regrets have been pushed to the back burner and sometimes I think God is trying to put out that flame every time I try to stoke it with a little twinge of self-pity.
When that self-pity tries to sneak in on those extra exhausting days or on the hard trials of special needs and worldly advice, I pause and allow the stillness of my faith to take hold. I look to the Lord and His promises.
Psalm 62:1-2 ESV
For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
I do not stand in adversity alone. We all face trying times in mundane and extraordinary lives alike. Our burdens may look different, but our souls are reaching for the same stillness in the strength of the Lord.
Instead of regrets and pity-parties, we need to stand firm in the promises of the Lord’s truth. Our souls can be quieted as we stand upon that rock of our salvation.
We are not just a common people living the common life. There is nothing just plain and normal about us. When we belong to God, we are more than labels and mundane lives that sometimes are sprinkled with a teeny bit of resentment.
We are not just a common people living the common life. There is nothing just plain and normal about us. When we belong to God, we are more than labels and mundane lives Click To TweetI have to remember that He will use me in His time. He will allow adventure and a specialized journey just for me based off of the works He planned in advance. I pray that I take the road He set me on and if if contains those exciting places and feats that my heart sometimes long for, well then, I will glorify Him all the more.
Nothing is mundane in God’s eyes. I just love this loving reminder of God’s calling.
Those mundane places are often where God refined, prepared and strengthens us for where He is taking us next.
This is a beautiful post! I could definitely relate on so many fronts! But I love to remember that His timing is perfect and His will is greater than mine 💛
I completely resonate with this 🙂 Thank you so much for this wonderful reminder!
Since I like excitement and busyness, the mundane can get to me too. I really like these two sentences: “Instead of regrets and pity-parties, we need to stand firm in the promises of the Lord’s truth. Our souls can be quieted as we stand upon that rock of our salvation.” God’s Word is what helps quite our souls and realize that there is excitement in even the mundane. Thanks for sharing your heart!
“Those little ones that have destroyed the living-room, fussed at each other in the bathroom, and giggled well into the night is where my heart truly rests. There is nothing mundane about the burden for home.”
Oh sister. I’m with you. I love the way you shared your heart here; it’s beautiful. It resonates with me, and I know with so many mamas.
It’s tough being that mama, but so worth it. 🙂
It can be such a pull in my heart, too! I have noticed that God is faithful to work on my priorities and keep the dreams alive all at once. Something only God could do because living in the present while simultaneously looking forward to what’s ahead isn’t exactly in my natural skill set!
This is me! I am here with you right now. The “influence of the mundane” is something all of us moms need to remember. God is using us right now and will continue to use us as our life changes and He brings different opportunities. The mundane serves a very important purpose. Excellent post!
This. As a mom of 5 little ones under 8, I feel this often at this particular time in my life. Such a great reminder to constantly turn to God and pray for contentment as I live the “mundane”!
This is so beautiful Maryann! I have so been there. I love this quote: “When that self-pity tries to sneak in on those extra exhausting days or on the hard trials of special needs and worldly advice, I pause and allow the stillness of my faith to take hold. I look to the Lord and His promises.” I will always remember you saying that “I pause and allow the STILLNESS of my faith to take hold.” Motherhood is anything but mundane. We are investing into little lives entrusted to us by Jesus. Thank you for this incredibly beautiful post. ❤
“Instead of regrets and pity-parties, we need to stand firm in the promises of the Lord’s truth.” Oh, how often I have fallen into the trap of pity parties and regrets! Such an encouraging post, thanks, Maryann!
God hasn’t called us to do a huge job, but little things that turn into something bigger down the road. The little, mundane things in a day are what create a life!
I’ve been there with you. When we pour our lives into our family we sometimes can get lost in it. We let go of who we were created to be because now we need to be “mom” and “wife”. I believe there is still room for us to be just us. And I believe our families can be strengthened through allowing ourselves to do what we have always wanted to do in one way or another.
Thank you for these thoughts. 🙂
Such truth and so important to talk about. It can be especially hard to not feel mundane when our children are young, but it is such an important season in their lives. May God continue to bless your journey! Your graphics are beautiful!
Thank you.
Beautifully written. I love how good will use us right where we are no matter what season….our greatest legacy will be raising children to follow Him
Agreed. It may not look like the picture we painted for ourselves initially, but God has a plan.
This weekend l was prompted to enjoy the little things. And l think sometimes we can be amazed how God changes our perspective. Thanks for sharing!
It’s true that our regular day to day lives can feel so mundane. However, it’s in these times that God wants us to include Him. In order to build a real relationship, we must allow God into those things that seem mundane in our eyes. In actuality, they are interesting to our Father.
I get it. I’ve always wanted to travel. My husband said, “We used to go camping.” …that isn’t exactly whatI I meant by “travel” but he’s a keeper anyway 🙂 After a season of pitty parties I’ve had to reel it in and look to Jesus for my adventures.
Love it! 🙂
Thanks for this beautiful reminder! Even in the mundane God is still working! It’s easy to get carried away and wallow in self-pity. This is a great encouragement.
I find myself feeling many of these same longings in this crazy writing world. Wishing for the adventures others are going on, the people who take notice of them, their “Insta”-images and followers. You have given me so much to think about and encouragement that God uses us in His time!
Thank you. I feel this way about many things. It’s tough, but I believe it’s all part of the plan. 🙂
I often call it the comparison trap….when actually I’m simply guilty of the sin of jealousy. Your post really resonated with me. Yes, in a hard way – but thanks. I appreciated the nudge to my heart. 🙂
I feel that way as well at times. I think we all this reminder at times.
How wonderful to be reminded that there is always something going on beneath the surface of our seemingly “mundane” lives. God is always at work!
Yes! Love your perspective on how God will use even the mundane.
I have felt that longing as well. I try to remember that this will be heaven someday and I’ll get to see it all. Right now, I’ll focus on my little slice of heaven right here.
All the things I might have done,
the greatness not achieved,
the bacchanals and sore-missed fun,
they’re not to be believed,
for I sailed the blood-dimmed tide
unto the iron gates of hell,
and in the darkness did abide
beneath the tolling bell
in hard and long tradition,
the one the Wild Geese gave
to travel to perdition
and see whom I might save
and bring back to hope and light
tho’ I might perish in the fight.
I have to remember that He will use me in His time..
That is such a beautiful reminder
Hi Maryann – I’m next door to you in the linkup today (32). Your post really got me thinking. It’s as if the normal mundane things of life show us that we are not “just” normal mundane people. We have so much value to God and to the world. That’s such an important reminder.