Joy In The Mundane

The alluring and greatly-missed sunshine had been the object of my happy conversations with people lately, the small talk at gatherings, the phone calls. It had been the reason why we began to run around again, somehow finding more errands to run than usual. Family visits, places to go, things to do. I started to notice the busyness and how our schoolwork was waning. I pushed the thoughts away since we were finding joy in the balmy temperatures. It's often said that the weather has an impact on our emotions and our attitudes, even our physical bodies. I got carried away with it's beckoning and I knew it was time to rein-in that draw I had to dance in the sun's beams.

Rain fell gently outside my window and I drew back the curtains. Mmmm, I love this kind of day. The kind that exudes that cozy feeling. The kind that allows a cup of tea and a settling down with the books again. We were finding joy in the coming back and the organization and the goal-keeping. I wanted ten more days like this!

But where was my drive coming from? What got me up in the morning and what sustained my days? What was I teaching my children? That my mood could drive our days? That all our goal-setting depended on the weather? I was like a leaf tossed to and fro with every whim and fancy.

I read, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12) and "See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time..." (Ephesians 5:15). These scriptures broke me. Redeeming the time is not only about scheduling here, it's also about what is filling that time. When I thought about how little time I actually have with my children before they leave my home for good, I re-evaluated my training process. It was becoming too willy-nilly and the Lord was convicting me. I yearned to watch my children grow in self-discipline and hard work. Teach them my ways, not yours, is what I kept hearing from His whisper.

I praised God for the freedom in homeschooling to be able to relish in a day here and there, a treat unlike the grind of school buses and scheduled hours but I also praised Him for the accountability He nudges in me. So now, I am learning to find joy in the mundane, ordinary schedule of life where truth and training are found... no matter what the weather. We'll do our math on the fresh, velvety grass in the backyard or paint pictures by a rain-spattered window, but we will do our work well.

Gratitude 235. various kinds of weather

236. convicting nudges from God (my ultimate accountability)

237. the other changes He's making in me (miracles, really)

238. new hope for the wrongfully imprisoned!

239. golf

240. lisps and mispronounced "r" from little ones

241. friends for corporate fasting

242. family walks on Sundays

Peace in His Power

Just shy of a week's vacation filled with unpredictable weather, we drank in His rain, basked in His sunshine and marveled at His thundering. There is no such thing as bad weather, only changes we must encounter and move alongside.


Life is unpredictable too. We try to gird up our sails for the rough and tumultuous times and when they arrive, we're often not prepared for them. We can even waste our sunshine by expecting rain. But, can you see Him in it all? When you ask, "Where are You, God?" do you hear His answer in the gentle rain that is heard between the thunder's roar? Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart..." but verse 4 says, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." It's in the seeking that He is found. While the storm rages, we can rest in the assurance of His presence, knowing His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). We can find peace in His power.

There is an end to every storm but in the meantime, the lightning provides energy for the earth while the rain causes growth. The process can be frightening but if we move with His Spirit the final outcome allows us to know joy on dark or balmy days.