Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return.
Mary-Jean Irion
The air was hot and humid and very summer-like. It was the perfect day to stay in the air conditioning and perhaps venture outside once the sun was setting. Seasonal fruits and veg were in full abundance and there was a pot of fresh basil growing right outside our kitchen window. Watermelon was a staple in our house and never lasted for long. Oh, and bruschetta! I spent quiet, peace-filled time in the kitchen washing tomatoes and chopping them, cutting ribbons of curly basil and drizzling in olive oil and sprinkling salt and pepper. A fresh baguette carefully browned under the broiler and then once all was done, the tomatoes were gently spooned over the bread pieces, looking ever so beautiful in their summer colors and just bursting with fresh, earthy, summertime flavor. It was heavenly.
Later that evening, I found myself at the kitchen sink rather merrily doing the dishes. Rinsing plates off and piling them into the dishwasher. Washing the pots and pans, allowing the suds to form and the scent of citrus soap filling the room, little bubbles floating up as they escaped the sink. It was quiet, except for the instrumental music softly playing in the background. I moved onto the stovetop and wiped it down with a warm washcloth and a sweet-scented organic cleaner. The counters were last, then I turned the dishwasher on. The music stopped and the lights went out.
I trodded up the stairs and rummaged around my bedroom, putting away clean clothes, tidying up my books and desk, putting magazines in their place on the shelf and lighting a candle in between. Night had fallen, and a warm shower was calling. I picked up a book and enjoyed some moments of bookish adventure before drifting off to dreamland.
Nothing but a normal day.
But a treasure, nonetheless.
The quote I shared at the beginning of this post is one that reminds me of the beauty of a normal, ordinary day. It challenges me to see the treasure in simple pleasures. I am convicted to keep my senses aware to all the wonders that surround me. And most often, these come in ordinary moments on normal days in simple ways. The day I described was one of my finest summer memories from last year. I was reminded during those hot, humid summer days and nights that there is peace found in simple daily tasks. There is purpose in their hiddenness and there is ample joy found in doing something as simple as washing dishes. I found such calm and healing in those ordinary tasks, but I think domesticity has a way of doing that...calming and healing oneself. There are profound beauty and value in the domestic life and all the many endeavours and tasks it holds and calls us to.
There is much to learn from, to love and to find blessing in, in normal, ordinary days. Just as the quote says. And it is my humble opinion, that the domestic life offers elements of beauty and delight that bring us to that blessing and joy.
My challenge for you today, dear ones, is to love your normal days. Find beauty in the ordinary. See the value in the tasks given to you. Allow the domestic life to feed you blessing upon blessing upon blessing, and then as your cup is filled, seek to pour those blessings out to those around you.
Normal days, they are treasures indeed. What beauty and wonder there is to be found in them!
Blessings on your week, dear friends! May you find much beauty in your ordinary days!
♥