Valuing the Ordinary
The recent news reports about the various natural disasters… and the people all over the world who have lost their homes, family members, and friends… are heartbreaking. Every time I see interviews with survivors of the floods, wildfires, tornadoes and hurricanes… and more recently the devastating earthquakes… I am reminded once again that the people dealing with these disasters now have one huge thing in common.
Suddenly their most fervent wish is to somehow be able to go back to the life they had “before”… back to that very ordinary life they probably took for granted and perhaps even felt dissatisfied or unhappy with. Facing the possibility of losing everything changes perspectives and priorities in a big hurry, and I often think that this stark realization of what really counts is a feeling we should all try to hold on to.
Isn’t it sad that we sometimes have to face a catastrophic loss… or the prospect of a catastrophic loss… before we can fully appreciate the value of these ordinary but so terribly important parts of our life?
Written by Shirley | Filed Under Personal Development, Simple Living, Voluntary Simplicity
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Comments
Comment by Tammy:
I have only today found your blog. This is wonderful. I will need hours to peruse through your post. It’s really ironic – we’ve decided to “Simplify” our lives. From our “stuff” we don’t need or use to our mind set about how we go about life – we want to declutter and make life simple. I’m excited to see there are others…
Comment by Kathy@brazoscowgirl:
This is a great reminder that it is the people you treasure not the things that surround you. The China earthquake was so heartbreaking as so many people lost their only child. We are so fortunate every day we wake up in our bed with our family close by.
Comment by Lady Laurie:
How very true. We lost our home in Hurricane Katrina, and life is referred to down here as the “new normal.” Granted, things will never be the same, but God has watched over us and we still have the most important things ~ each other.
Comment by Jersey Mom:
I like this very ordinary life of mine. I am content and happy. At the same time, I know there are people right now, at another place on this planet who are suffering from the numerous natural disasters that have and are constantly occurring. My heart goes out to them.
Comment by Sheryl at Providence Acres Farm:
I, too, am happy with my simple, ordinary,, minimalistic life. Things are constantly changing in anyone’s life. We have to learn to go with the flow to be content, to “make lemonaid”. Isn’t that what faith is all about?
Comment by Rita:
I’ve just been jumping around reading various posts and am struck by the obvious…you are a wise woman with much to offer the general public in how to live well. It would probably complicate your life but I think a book of your revelations would be in order. It would be an inspirational manual for those who are still trying to escape the ‘rat race’. When I was young, ‘An American Bible’ was an inspiration to me. Your posts are every bit as sensible as these wonderful American philosophers with lots of practical information as well; and of course more relevant in today’s world. Thank you for sharing your life and philosophy.
Comment by Betty:
Well said….
Comment by Jo:
As Dorothy said in The Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home.” (Be it ever so humble.) Each night I thank God for the day behind me and each morning I thank Him for a new day ahead of me – whatever it may entail.
I know, it may sound “corny” to some but an attitude of gratitude, being thankful for life’s small blessings, is one way to cope with some of life’s sorrows when they come along.
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