Embrace the Ordinary, 2021 vol. 1
“Embrace the ordinary” posts take a look at pursuing holiness in the everyday moments, seeking God and inviting Him to be present in every moment, and embracing the grace He gives daily. Sometimes it’s obvious, sometimes my thoughts go down an unexpected path. I invite you to embrace your ordinary moments of grace, too! Share them in the comments or blog and share your link. I’d love to read about them.
I rang in 2021 talking to my hubby and finishing the quilting on my only visible domestic project of the year.
I started this quilt in March, I think. In fits and spurts, this cozy beauty has come together over the last 9 months.
Don’t be fooled, though. The stitching is uneven and I sewed so many puckers into the quilting. I would never “make it” in shows and fairs.
And you know, it doesn’t matter! This little imperfect project is a work of love and it brought joy to my heart.
It will be cozy, it will be tossed on the floor and used for makeshift tents by my boys, and it will be well-loved.
It’s a small something, but this quilt is a piece of joy from 2020. Created for my family, from love, in a time of struggle. Sewn during quiet hours on Sunday afternoons and late nights. Working on this quilt provided my hands with work, my brain something on which it could focus, and gave my heart breathing space when “regular life” felt stifling and burdensome. Time spent on this was time I often listened to homilies, a great album, or let my mind wander and wonder about God’s presence and work in my life.
I think this quilt will be symbolic (at least to me) that beauty and good can be brought out of otherwise ugly and sad situations. The Lord Himself set the example for this, in His creation and His salvation.
What’s next, after this quilt? I don’t know. I haven’t created any resolutions or goals for the year. I have dreams, sure. Dreams of date nights with my handsome man, dreams of fun-filled family outings or game nights, dreams of quiet hours in Adoration with the Lord, dreams of connecting more with friends and family. Dreams that the heartache and struggle will be replaced with joy.
But first, it’s back to the quilt. Now that the quilting part is done, it needs a binding. And my sticky table needs a wiping. Back to the duties of the moments, friends. Find God in those moments this year. It’s bound to transform the dull into more joyous living, and give you purpose for whatever the year holds.
Your daily encounter with Christ takes place right where you work, where your aspirations and your affections are. There we must seek sanctity, in the midst of the most material things of the earth, serving God and all humankind. Heaven and earth seem to merge, my daughters and sons, on the horizon. But where they really meet is in your heart, when you strive for holiness in your everyday lives.
– St Josemaria Escriva