Finding Joy in the Mundane | A Few of My Favorite Things

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I don’t know about you all, but this past month has been full of many difficulties: health challenges, discouragement, disappointment, and frustration. I have frequently meditated on the above verse and pondered ways to give thanks and rejoice. I’m happy to share how I’m finding joy in the mundane.

First, I’m excited to announce my favorite happening of this month, which is most assuredly not mundane at all:

New Grandson!

This adorable little person is Rowan Henry McCulley, and I think we will all agree that a new grandchild is cause for great rejoicing! He brings sunshine every day when Mommy and Daddy text awwwww-worthy photos to me. This sight brings joy even in the most challenging of days. We are unspeakably thankful for this new blessing and can’t wait to meet him!

Now, on to finding joy in the mundane…

This month has brought frustrating health challenges: worsening asthma, random rashes, unexpected outbreaks of hives. I had been eagerly anticipating the new treatment prescribed by my pulmonologist, only to discover our insurance denied authorization. My team is appealing the decision, but I am oh-so-discouraged at this setback.

I’ve battled discouragement and depression by searching for beauty and joy wherever I could find it.

Finding Joy in the Wonder of Creation

I haven’t been able to work out much, but I did manage an early, long walk with a dear friend. We came around the bend and discovered this lovely tableau; wildflowers against a simple wooden shed. Breathtaking, aren’t they?

Our backyard is abloom with glorious color, and every day I’m thankful for the planning and work we accomplished in years past. Several years ago, my husband accidentally mowed down this young purple crape myrtle. I was horrified, but to our surprise, it bounced back and is now showing off its majesty. I think we could find a parable for our lives, don’t you?

This Firecracker Crape Myrtle was planted at the same time as the purple. However, since this one escaped scalping, it’s two or three times larger than the purple. And yet…I prefer the purple due to its resilience.

Rose of Sharon exuberantly blooming

The blackberries have been totally neglected. I haven’t done anything a gardener ought to do. Anything! And yet…they’re almost ready to harvest! Surprise!

I’ve been gradually working on a bee and butterfly garden, and it’s one of my favorite parts of the yard. The Chaste tree is lovely!

Bees love the daisies.

Confetti Lantana and Butterfly Bush draw in the butterflies. It’s lovely to watch them flittering around.

Our kitchen and living area is lined with tall windows, so I am able to view the flowers, butterflies, bees, and birds even if I’m resting indoors. These “mundane” blessings bring me much joy every day.

Finding Joy in Cultivating Relationships

I’ve discovered a hidden blessing in chronic illness. Because my energy is limited, I’m forced to economize and prioritize. I’ve done a great deal of soul searching and pondering my goals and priorities.

The most life-changing discovery I’ve made is the realization that cultivating relationships is the most important thing in my life. When my energy is limited, I do a lot of crossing out on the to-do list. My son shared a takeaway from a book he read for a business class, and I think of it daily. Look at your schedule and to-do list and ask yourself: what is the one thing I need to do this week? Today?

This question really helps me see what I value. In addition to my regular morning and evening routines, which include devotions, extremely basic home upkeep and self-care, I choose the most important add-ons. Write notes to the grands. Connect with my people via texting photos and comments, Skype and other apps. Make appointments to go for walks or meet for tea with people I love.

This month we all met to attend a guitar concert and eat pizza together at a fun venue for Daddy’s Father’s Day gift; then we met on the actual day of Father’s Day for a cookout and family game day.

I met with my mom and daughter-in-love every Friday for tea at my house, and we all met at a local coffee shop to listen to lovely live chamber music.

A sweet friend is moving away, so we cleared an afternoon to meet for lunch and a long chat.

I’ve never once regretted time invested in relationships. I don’t think you will, either.

Finding Joy in Rest and Simple Pleasures

I haven’t accomplished many of my intended projects this month. Minimal housekeeping. Simple dinners. As for workouts, I believe I managed one short workout DVD and the one long walk with a friend. Instead, I’ve rested, slept in when I wasn’t awoken early by wheezing, napped, and spent much time reading (come back Friday and read all about the books I’ve been reading this month).

Needing extra rest means I’ve spent extra time in my daily devotions, digging into my Bible. There’s been time to color in my Inspire Creative Journaling Bible, to journal, to revel in the beauty of Ruth Chou Simon’s Gracelaced Devotional.

As you go through difficulty, I encourage you to keep your eyes open, to count your blessings, to actively look for the hand of God upon your life. Let’s become experts at Finding Joy in the Mundane. Now it’s your turn! I’d love for you to share something mundane that brings you joy. Share with us, and maybe we’ll open our eyes to new beauty.

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