find joy in the ordinary- the unexpected sacred days

Quick, when you think of the word summer, what comes to mind? For your family, it might mean a big vacation or family reunion or catching up on work or keeping the kids occupied.

Those sound wonderful…but, do we spend time considering the “art” of summer?

When we think of life as a craft, summer can mean something very different.

Art can mean : imagination, mastery, method, craft, aptitude

Find joy in the sacred ordinary

This year, let’s consider summertime as a different sort of opportunity. One where we pursue the art of living well. A relaxed approach to our everyday homemaking..

If life is considered an art form, a gift, then perhaps it deserves a proper study of its potential.

The art of living isn’t always so much about what we do, but instead, what we choose to do differently. Apart from the demands of expectations, but with anticipation of observation, in addition to execution.

Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” —William Arthur Ward

Find joy in aimlessness

Mastering the art of summer can change our lives. Instead of being busy, unavailable, and occupied…consider a period of aimlessness.

Spend days pursuing nothing except the privilege of observing the world around you. Allow freedom to just be.

Sounds wildly reckless, doesn’t it! Yet, I have a hunch it is what might be really, desperately needed. We tend to get so caught up in the work we forget to rest.

It never failed to amaze me how the most ordinary day could be catapulted into the extraordinary in the blink of an eye.–Jodi Picoult

Find joy by fighting the urgent

I heard a wise quote once about fighting against the “tyranny of the urgent”. Except, it all feels urgent in the moment. But remember, urgent can be a slick liar.

Pursuing the art of summer this year has the potential to fill us up with a fresh perspective. Restored and industrious.

It isn’t lazy to engage in the art of summer, to pursue the un-intentional. It is, at its heart, wisdom.

We have the idea that God is going to do some exceptional thing- that He is preparing and equipping us for some extraordinary work in the future. But as we grow in His grace we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, at this very moment. If we have God’s assurance behind us, the most amazing strength becomes ours, and we learn to sing, glorifying Him even in the ordinary days and ways of life.–Oswald Chambers

Find joy in simplicity

This allowance for simplicity?

We find ourselves again. In the quiet, the ordinary time. In the listening of windchimes and crickets and the life we seldom notice in a hurried pace.

We find joy in the ordinary routines

Our ears become attuned to the sounds around us. Our touch lingers on things we quickly pass by. Our vision absorbs vibrancy in a way that a glance does not allow for.

A splash, a swing, a sniff. We are NOT too busy to find time to embrace this gift.

The art of summer can be best mastered in the wandering. Enjoy the journey…