Photo by Lucas Lenzi
Ordinary – that’s the title of a book by
Michael Horton about “sustainable faith in a radical, restless world.” Horton
speaks primarily of spiritual matters, but I think what he says applies to so
much of our everyday lives—work, leisure, relationships. After all, who
wants to work at an ordinary job, go on an ordinary vacation, or have an
ordinary relationship?
Today words like “ultimate,” “extreme” and “awesome” are in
vogue. In the workplace or business world we often hear that companies or
organizations are “emergent,” “impactful” and “innovative.” Let’s face it, if
you’re not “cutting edge,” you are nowhere on the power grid. It got me
thinking about how much many of us, me included, may be influenced by this
not-so-subtle message of our culture. According to Horton, “ordinary” is “one
of the loneliest words in our vocabulary today,” and he notes that no one wants
a bumper sticker announcing to the neighborhood, “My child is an ordinary
student at Bubbling Brook Elementary.”
Just to be clear, Horton is not talking about settling for
mediocrity or just getting by. Rather, he is suggesting the never ending calls
to greatness, e.g., “Be all that you be” and “Never settle” are exhausting on
multiple levels. In the words of Tish Harrison Warren, many of us have never
learned “how to be an average person living an average life in a beautiful
way.” We are continually pushed and prodded to believe there is something
more we could attain or be, if only we pursued our dreams with more vigor.
Here’s the thing that concerns me . . . and Horton. We can make
heroic efforts to do some great thing in our community or around the globe, but
fail to be a decent human being to our neighbor. We may be innovative and
impactful at work, but fail to demonstrate that same kind of energy on a
day-to-day basis with our families. We make sure our children have awesome,
memorable vacations, but fail to help them consistently demonstrate good
manners or be content with what they have.
Photo by Jana Sabeth Schultz
Much has been said about “the greatest generation,” also known
as the “silent generation.” What occurs to me now is that their greatness seems
highly correlated with their willingness to be “ordinary,” i.e., to show up,
day after day, doing their work with persistence and dedication. Perfect? No,
but their faithfulness to the everydayness of life over a lifetime created some
extraordinary legacies marked by courage and sacrifice.
Photo by Scott Umstattdt
As we begin a new season, I’m wondering if it might be good to
consider more ways to be ordinary, draw less attention to ourselves, resolve to
pay attention to people who don’t really benefit us in any way. Perhaps we
could get to know our neighbors. Maybe we could resolve to be on time—early
even—just so we could make space in our schedule to welcome others. Possibly we
could worry less about what will make us happy and put more energy into how to
make the world a better place for those within our circle of influence every
day – small children, cashiers, service workers, those we supervise or report
to. Small kindnesses, caring words and everyday courtesies don’t seem like much
in the face of world hunger. That’s why it takes courage to pursue them on a
daily basis. As the saying goes, “Everyone wants a revolution. No one wants to do
the dishes.”
Becoming more content with being ordinary may be just what is
required for a happy, healthy life, rich in community.
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