Ordinary

I long to be ordinary.

That’s right.

Ordinary.

In a world where it’s popular to be in the spotlight, seeking aggrandizement…

In a society where money, looks, and fame are deemed essential…

In a culture where climbing to the top is the norm, I long to be ordinary.

Ordinary like my mom, who spent her days raising her seven children. With no cell phone or social media to connect her with friends and family, she did her daily routine, day in and day out, alone in her thoughts, working hard, living righteously, leading by example. My grandmothers, too, lived ordinary lives. Raising families, working, serving, loving–day in and day out. Faithful to the end.

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One of my favorite movie scenes is in the movie Miracle on 34th Street when Dorie, the single mom and main character, was curled up on the couch in front of a roaring fire late one night, deep in thought, under the light of the lamp, with a notebook in hand and a mug of hot tea on the side table. When her daughter Susan appeared from out of her bedroom, Dorie set her notebook aside and gave Susan her full attention. They shared a meaningful mother/daughter moment together addressing one of Susan’s concerns, and then Susan was sent back to bed with a kiss and expression of love from her mother. When Susan was out of sight, Dorie paused for a moment, smiled, and then returned to her curled up position on the couch to enjoy the quiet evening. No phone. No social media. No noise.

Sometimes, when I feel like being the “best mom ever”, I put my phone down, curl up on the couch with a book, under the light of a lamp, with a warm cup of tea nearby, and enjoy a quiet moment. An ordinary moment where I’m not out trying to conquer the world. An ordinary moment where I’m able to give 100% attention to my children, if needed. An ordinary moment where I can listen for the promptings of the Spirit. Children need access to more “ordinary” in their lives. I long to be the ordinary mom they long to have.

Referring to her mother and grandmother, Sheri Dew said, “They didn’t turn heads when they walked into a room. They were ordinary. Yet to me, they were extraordinary.”

In a world that demands Instagram-worthy perfection, I long to follow the example of my women forebears—to live an ordinary life in an extraordinary way.