I think that we all have various thresholds for excitement. Some of us like to have small and consistently exciting things in our lives, like maybe we get excited for an Amazon delivery. Some of us like to have a few big, exciting things here and there. Like maybe, going on a vacation, visiting someplace new or having an adventure, like sky diving, snowboarding or jet skiing. It’s also possible that we want to vicariously experience exciting things through someone else’s adventure, such that we subscribe to YouTube travel channels, or we enjoy Instagram Reels with people experiences, mishaps and windfalls.
In contrast to all these “exciting” things, you might agree that lots of our daily living can often play out in the, “lather, rinse and repeat” cycle. We get up, we get ready, we go someplace (work / school), we do stuff, we eat, we text / talk on the phone, probably email, possibly relax and go to sleep. I think that lots of life is comprised of doing daily stuff and maybe that can get boring and mundane.
On the other side, what we integrate into our daily routines can be essential ingredients to keep us healthy, vibrant, growing and effective. The “regular stuff” isn’t always exciting, but nevertheless, it is essential.
Here are some helpful thoughts about the “regular stuff” in our lives:
- Diligence trumps negligence: Being diligent, doing things regularly and with faithfulness yields better results than neglect and irresponsibility. Consider what it says in Proverbs 10:4, “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.”
- Today’s seeds are tomorrow’s harvests: The actions and choices that we make today will affect the results and outcomes of the future. And, today’s results are the fruits of previous seeds. Consider what Paul tells us in Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”
- Discerning times and seasons helps us to be present in our “now”: Just like there are seasons over the course of a year, we have seasons in our lives. Being aware of what season you’re at in life can help you appreciate what’s important for this time. Feel free to read Ecclesiastes 3 to get some wisdom on the variety of times and seasons.
- Gratitude needs to be a core priority: When I’m grateful, I find it easier to recognize good things, in contrast to when I’m grumpy or ungrateful. Consider these important verses: 1 Thess 5:18, “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Chron 16:34, “O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
- Forgiveness is non-negotiable: Let’s remain committed to forgiving, so that we keep our hearts healthy, and our lives postured to receive forgiveness. Consider what Jesus says in Matt 6:14-15, “’For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.’”
The bullet points that I’ve listed aren’t necessarily exciting nor riveting, but they are very healthy ingredients that need to be the “regular stuff” in our daily living!
