COMMONPLACE

"A commonplace life," we say, and we sigh,

But why should we sigh as we say?

The commonplace sun in the commonplace sky

Makes up the commonplace day;

The moon and the stars are commonplace things

And the flower that blooms, and the bird that sings,

But dark were the world, and sad our lot,

If the flowers failed, and the sun shone not;

And God, who studies each separate soul,

Out of commonplace lives makes His beautiful whole.

~Susan Coolidge

  This day has been 'commonplace' up to this point, and it will probably stay comfortably that way. We made the trip to Lower Brule, and worshiped with those who came to church to worship with us. We ate our sandwich, chips, and strawberries up on the hill overlooking the town; and we returned for Sunday School. It was nice to get back to Lower Brule today, as the weather was too vicious for us to go over last Sunday, and the interstate was closed all across the state. Today, however, everyone at Lower Brule seemed to be enjoying the relatively mild day, and they were out walking and driving around. It felt like a busy little village. We returned home and enjoyed a quiet afternoon.                      

 

    Some things seem 'commonplace' to others, but they are important to us or bring us happiness. For instance, I enjoyed the beautiful snowfall that we had last week, and I like that it is soaking into the thirsty ground.

Ray brought me happiness when he had a dozen beautiful red roses waiting in the middle of the table one morning this week when I came down for breakfast.

I also had a few private moments of special parental pride and joy when I watched online our two daughters play a duet on the piano and violin in Florida. It was a beautiful piece, and well done. I can give you a link if you ask. :)

    The commonplace things I have enjoyed in my commonplace life in the last week are too many to list here, and they would bore you; but I'm sure you can remember many of your own commonplace things, and they would be much the same. All the same, they have made "His beautiful whole." God is our Father, and He watches us as a father watches his own children. He delights to give us precious things so often they become 'commonplace.'

    I pray that you will have a week in which you can see plainly God's 'beautiful whole.' May God bless you!