The Beauty of Ordinary Days

Thursday, September 11th
The Beauty of Ordinary Days
By: Sheila Sonon

“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do… Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” — Ecclesiastes 9:7–10

I thought being a good mom meant keeping the house spotless, the laundry folded, the dogs groomed, and meals prepared like June Cleaver. But in striving for that picture-perfect life, I missed some of the miracles happening right in front of me—watching my children swing in the backyard, riding bikes  or simply pausing to listen when they wanted to share what was on their mind. Too often, my reply was, “I’ll talk to you as soon as I finish this.” But “soon” never came, and that lost opportunity could have been one more moment to draw closer to the child God entrusted to me.

Now, with my son 21 and my twins 17, I see it more clearly: the ordinary days were always treasures. Ecclesiastes teaches us that joy isn’t found in perfection, but in embracing the portion God has given us—eating with joy, loving well, and doing our daily work wholeheartedly.

I can’t go back and relive the little years, but I can live today with my eyes open to the blessings in front of me. When my son tells me about his day, when my daughter shares her progress on college applications, or when my youngest excitedly explains the business he hopes to start, I don’t want to miss it. God has given me these moments, and they are enough.

Prayer:
Lord, help me not to overlook the ordinary miracles of today. Teach me to find joy in the portion You’ve given me a life to live with each moment in gratitude and love. Amen.