"Living an Extraordinary Ordinary Life"

No Oscar, Emmy or cover of People magazine can match what God has awarded me. I am living an extraordinary life. And guess what? You can be too, if you aren't already.

The Academy Awards, a.k.a. "The Oscars" was on the T.V. last Sunday evening. Of course I watched the red carpet interviews and the critiques of the gowns and tuxes the stars were wearing for this big event.

The Hollywood elite would step up to the mic and answer questions about their outfit and movie. Some would answer with a upbeat casual response, others would answer aloofly as if they wanted to be elsewhere. (Who knows their spanx, girdles or shoes may have been killing them). I've heard that stars will actually go through bowel cleansing so their stomachs will be flat and their attire will fit. But, I digress, my apologies.

As they vie for the place of honor in their trade, I began to think about how ordinary they all are underneath the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. They have needs and desires just like we do.

Inside the theatre awaits the trophy they all long for; a thin gold image of a faceless man with their name and accomplishment etched on a little plaque fixed below on the wooden base.

Well, what does all that have to do with living and extraordinary ordinary life? It just reminded me that we all have a desire for our "oscars" in life. We long to be appreciated and acknowledged. Somehow this need seems to give us reason to keep on going. Don't fool yourself if you think you don't need accolades. Everyone needs a good pat on the back or "ata boy or ata girl."

I remember when I was changing the diapers of my twins, getting up over and over in the night to feed them and rock them back to sleep so I could sleep. I'd get up the next day to do washing, cleaning and cooking, all the while feeling like I was never going to get back to living. I wondered if anyone was noticing.

Now, at 50, I ponder the "what-ifs." What if I had continued on with my nursing career...what if I had pursued music...what if I had been a better money manager...what if... The pondering just seems to screw me into the ground, each time I ask what if, cementing me in place. What if...one more pondering turn...what if...another haunting turn. Soon I can't move.

I am not alone. Those famous actors have their "what-ifs" too. Young adults are facing their "what-ifs" as they ponder the future. Young teens ponder the "what-ifs" in their budding relationships. Most of us ponder the "what-ifs" of our appearance, wealth, intelligence, or fame. The problem is that if these "what-ifs," if not coupled with a perfect plan and a perfect guide, will immobilize us, as they screw us further into the ground. What if...turn...what if...turn, turn...what if....

There is a plan ~ a perfect plan ~ a perfecting plan ~ a plan that continues throughout life. There is a guide ~ a perfect guide ~ a perfecting guide ~ a guide that continues throughout life and on into the next life. His name is Jesus. He has made a way where there is no way.

There is an award given to those who love Him. He's enamored with everyone who belongs to Him.

Jesus, the Creator of the universe, deemed me extraordinary when I was knitted together deep within my mother's womb (Psalm 139:13-14). So, why do I seek acknowledgement by anyone else? Why do I chase the proverbial "oscar" of life? Why do I think and ask the "what-ifs?"

So here's to the extraordinary ordinary life I have been awarded. Raise your glass with me and let's say thank you to the One who knows us best and loves us most ~ Jesus! Really nothing can compare.

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10


Be blessed my friend ~ be blessed.