Pages

"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain."
~Psalm 127:1

October 11, 2013

Five Minute Friday: Ordinary

Today is Friday, so that means its time for another Five Minute Friday Free Write!

The word today is: Ordinary

Go.

Plain.  Simple.  Blah.

I don't think anyone really wants themselves to be described as ordinary.  We try to pin that description on ourselves, but always hope someone contradicts it and gives us that little extra in front.

When I think of "ordinary" characters from the Bible, the first one I think of is Gideon.  Not sure why.  But he was just this "ordinary" guy living in fear, just like the rest of the Israelites, because of the Midianites and their giant companions.  Then the Lord calls him.  He has to test what he hears first, but he goes on to do extraordinary things, defeating the vast army of Midian with only 300 men, who were carrying torches in jars and horns!

Other "ordinary" people in the Bible who were called by the Lord to do extraordinary things: Moses, David, Mary, Elijah, Esther, Ruth.

God makes us extraordinary.  We can try that on our own, but we end up just like everyone else.  Confused about our purpose.

God makes us for the extraordinary.  And he gives us the talents and gifts to do what He calls us to do.

Stop.

I write something for this, then as soon as I post it I think of so much more that I could have written.  Happens every time.  But it's good, I guess.  It challenges me to think more broadly about what a word can mean and look like to me.

2 comments:

  1. it is good! it's such a challenge, isn't it? I have to force "publish" before I change anything ;) Love the paraphrase of Gideon...the Bible is rich with these characters, these stories, isn't it? Thanks for sharing! Looks like you have a lovely little farm...wow...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ordinary people in extraordinary situations always make the best stories, and the Bible as a whole is the amazing story of an ordinary people in an extraordinary relationship with God. Keep sharing your gifts and telling your own stories. God bless.

    ReplyDelete