I am not a big fan of running errands. My usual run of these mundane tasks includes the post office, the bank, the supermarket and the dry cleaners. And yes, in that very order. Trust me, it’s the same run every single week. But last week was different.
Going into the bank, the teller called me over – by name. She’s a young woman, about my own daughter’s age, and has worked in several of the banks where we have done business. Conversation has always been pleasant but very surface in nature. But not that day.
She shared her last day was coming soon. A single mom, with a soon to be three year old, she was going to be a stay at home mom. Over the last few weeks, she had picked her daughter up with injuries which no one could explain. Overwhelmed with the thought of something happening to her little girl, she made her decision.
We shared at length, no other customers coming in, about life and family which always present us with challenges. As I began to walk away, she said, “Did you know that you’ve always been my favorite customer?”
I was shocked. Me? We had only exchanged pleasantries up until that day. “Me?”, I questioned.
“You always make me feel visible & valuable.”
In a snap, the mundane had suddenly become sacred.
That very same night, I read:
Our lives are one divine appointment after another, and it’s more a matter of how many we are being obedient in acknowledging. The question is not whether or not He is working around you. He is. The issue is whether or not you are listening with the expectation to hear Him.
(from Mended, Pieces of a Life Made Whole by Angie Smith, page 125)
Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they know me.” (John 10:27)
He is talking all the time. Most often, it is in the midst of the ordinary. And in those ordinary moments, the mundane, if we would but listen, we would discover ourselves in the middle of the extraordinary.
Listen with expectation.
I am joining with … Three Word Wed. and Wed. Prayer Girls and Wordless Wed. and Wedded Wed. and Works For Me and Winsome Wed. and Whimsical Wed. and Imperfect Prose and Words of Life Wed. .
Hi Joanne, I love how the Lord stuff we think of as mundane and unimportant. I love that we touch others without knowing it. Kind of makes one realize we need to think about our responses ALL the time. What are we leaving behind? Grace and mercy, or anger and irritation? Great reminder.
God bless and thanks for linking up
Tracy
The experience has so been reason to pause & ponder. It is amazing how we do not know how or when our lives touch others. And you are so right, we need to think about our responses all the time. You brought back to mind a verse I read yesterday…”Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” (Gal. 5:25, NLT). Every part of our lives falls under His leading. Even the daily routines. So glad you shared!
Oh, girl, what a blessing you have been in that young woman’s life and what a sweet gift that God has allowed you to see that. I think you might be a little bit His favorite today! Thanks for the reminder that our interactions may well mean more to others than we can ever imagine. Listening with expectation and keeping our eyes open to the God-moments He allows us to have each day can help us see more clearly where He is already at work and is inviting us to join Him.
Thanks, Holly. To be quite honest, it was humbling as I so often grumble through some of my errands. Maybe not out loud, but surely on the inside. Funny how God can pull back a curtain & change our perspective.
Upon waking up, usually our prayer is – in a nutshell: “Lord be with me today and make me a blessing” – and then we’re surprised when He Does!……especially in what we may consider a “mundane” situation!! Doesn’t the Word tell us: “…..if we’re faithful in the little things…….”? — and I think being faithful in the “little things” comes via the working of the Fruits of the Spirit in our lives….which are so much a part of who we have become in Christ —- they are operational in and through us, sometimes without even thinking about them. Be thrilled at those “little” unexpected blessings He sends our way……they are precious to us – as we are to Him. What a mantle of His blessing over you, Jo!!! <3 U!
It is so true…the little things are precious to Him. I think at times, I can lose sight of that thinking I must do something “big”. But touching those around us, in the space He has placed us in, is most important to Him. Praying He seals this in the forefront of my memory each & every day, especially as I run errands š You put is so well & I am grateful you shared it with me! Love you!
Joanne, this really speaks to me on paying attention to my attitude during the day to day mundane. I so often wonder am I truly reflecting Christ in me in everything I do. Or do I walk around with a big ole frown on my face. I love that you were a blessing to this lady and from what I’ve been able to witness of you online it does not surprise me. I think you are all kinds of lovely. You bless me daily. {Hugs}
Believe me, I was writing to myself. I am not even sure how this poor teller felt visible and valuable from interaction with me as most times I so wanted to just get on to the next stop. Believe me it was so eye opening. Thank you for your kind words. I do not take them lightly. I am so grateful I have met you & we can grow together in & through Him! Much love today!
Oh, I love this. I am sure that I have often missed opportunities because I am preoccupied with what I have to get done. Rushing through errands or conversations with others. I pray that I am open to moments have the potential to bless, to see God’s glory in the mundane.
As I read your comment, Kimberly, the question that came to me is, why do I rush? The next errand will surely be there whether I hurry or take my time with those around me. If I truly believe that He orders my steps each day, then every place I step is where He has for me to be & there will be potential right in that place. I am so glad you shared your thoughts as you made me think even more on this! Blessings!
This makes me sit up and pay attention:
“In a snap, the mundane had suddenly become sacred.”
Yes! How wonderful that your attentiveness to this young lady made such a difference, when you didn’t even realize it. It should make us all more aware of little things really being big things. And what a blessing that she told you. Thanks so much for sharing it with us too, Joanne.
It continues to amaze me at how in one split second, my perspective was changed. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, Lisa. My prayer is to live, eyes wide opened, so that I always see the bigness of the little things š Blessings!
We walk this life as living testimonies Joanne. You’ve impacted her life for Jesus in your glorious ordinary. Amen.
Love your choice of words, Lisha – the glorious ordinary. Oh, that we each may see these moments in our lives and not miss them! Grateful you shared with me!