How I Find Meaning in the Ordinary La-La-La

(by embracing the mystery and magic of everyday moments)

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. ~ Mark Twain

…Father God, thank you for allowing me to illustrate how I find meaning in the ordinary la-la-la by embracing the mystery and beauty of everyday moments, for each is a gift I’m grateful to share.

The Creator, and a not-so-ordinary beginning

It’s true. God created the heavens and the earth by speaking life into existence with four words. Let. There. Be. Light. (Genesis 1 ESV) He separated light from darkness, heavens and the earth. Filled the sky, waters, and land with creatures, flora, and all manner of life.

From dust, God created a man and breathed life into the man’s nostrils. He planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and told the man he could touch or eat fruit from every tree except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

God then gathered all the animals before the man to name them. Soon after, God formed another from the man’s rib to be his most suitable helper. Adam called her woman (flesh of my flesh) until later, when he named her Eve.

Imagine when God the Father smiled and said, “This is good.” I did. That’s why these two adorable doves remind me of Coo and Flutter.

Scripture also illustrates how a cunning serpent twisted God’s words and enticed Eve to taste the forbidden fruit, and soon after, Adam followed her lead. From that moment on, everything changed.

Today, I’m led to re-read the first few chapters of the Bible’s first book; Genesis, filled with scripture regarding the beginning. (Click highlighted text to read Genesis 1-3 ESV)

It’s all there: The hope. The promise. And then, the disobedience. The story shows why and how God cast Adam and Eve, His first human creations, out of the Garden of Eden. And so, the couple set out for a very different life, trying to forget the splendor of days filled with all God had provided.

Creation’s impact and more

If we consider the effects of creation’s impact on today’s society, we might only count all that man has inspired: industries, monopolies, dynasties, artificial intelligence, and so on. Whether or not everything man created is meant for our good, influence, or consequences will ultimately be determined.

How simple experiences might shape meaningful lives

While we’re living in a fast-paced world dominated by highlight reels or shock-and-awe headlines, it’s becoming easier to miss out on the magic that lives within our glass houses. We’re influenced to build bigger audiences. Transform our mundane existences. Log and list our achievements so we appear more desirable.

But what if we free ourselves to slow down and savor the present? Trade spectacular fireworks for stargazing or candlelight. Relish the magic of summer’s fleeting fireflies and the fireside glow upon a child’s marshmallow-covered face—without worrying about posting a video or three.

Maybe it’s the not-so-popular kind of being present. That was yesterday’s way. I say it’s always inspiring to see how the simplest experiences can shape meaningful lives.

It’s not that I want to stay in Boomerglen forever. I’m all about progress—just ask our builder/contractor who’s renovating our tiny cabin. However, I’d rather find meaning in the ordinary, la-la-la by embracing the mystery and magic in the more serene kind of everyday moments.

Embrace the magic of the present before it fades away

I believe it’s okay to chase dreams—especially the ones God planted in your soul. Although I’m not a competitive person, I want to run this life race and stay hopeful to win the most important prize. It’s not to be noticed and admired—although that might be nice once in a while, but to one day see a smile on my heavenly Father’s face; to know I did what I was created to do, even despite some external consequences of creation’s impact on my life. That’s all.

I pray that I might continue to enjoy my simple daily routines, like talking to God while walking my girlie dog(s) around the mountain for many years to come. I also enjoy gardening and sipping fine wine with my hubby at sunset.

Perhaps by embracing the magic of the present and looking forward to infusing daily schedules with intention (and flexibility), we can find peace in the unpredictable journey ahead—and maybe, that’s the most rewarding part of this adventure.

Can social connections have a place in my Eden?

I know a few of my precious encounters will become staged clips for all to see. Still, it’s never been easy for me, and sometimes, it’s part of my profession. My goal is to cultivate a mindful life…more on that topic next month.

Being mindful

I’ve come to see how small acts of awareness can help us experience the amazing world we live in—I don’t want to just go through the motions during shallow conversations or while washing dishes or eating a meal with family.

I hope to breathe deeply. Speak less and listen more. Let the soap suds bubble over or maybe blow some wish-filled ones away, and of course, share and savor each morsel we’re given.

Creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson (I say, thanks be to God!)

Let’s cause a ripple effect upon all creation

God gives creatives license to be unique in all their gifts. Born from His breath—not artificial anything. I pray I can walk worthy of those gifts. When asked how I find meaning in the ordinary, I hope to remember all the grace, mercy, hope, and love the Creator, God my heavenly Father, has freely given me before my smile gives away my answer.

Dear friends,

What if our appreciation for all God is and has given us causes a ripple effect upon all creation? Might that kind of impact change the world for the better? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject.

Wishing you joy for all your la-la-la days to come,

~ Joann

*Want to read more of my ramblings on IAF? Visit Coo and Flutter on my DoveStories website and story la-la-la on my Dreamdove’s Flights of Fancy blog.

Special thanks to PIXABAY and all image artists for free use of images: Feature: Image by Amore Seymour from Pixabay , #1Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay, #2 Image by Yuri from Pixabay, #3 Image by Martin dalsgaard from Pixabay