Cicadas are loud, especially when I’m reading on the deck. This morning the shrill notes of their orchestra played fortissimo! Once they distracted me, I heard other sounds—a dog barking in the distance, the hum of the deck ceiling fan, and the songs of two different birds.
Although the cicadas were the smallest of the sound generators in my hearing range, they produced the loudest noise! Isn’t that like the problems we face each day? Do you notice that little challenges can cause big irritation? (Those “first world” problems I mean.)
- The item you ordered isn’t like the picture.
- You’re put on hold multiple times for three minutes each time, and you repeat your question three times.
- Your cell phone won’t stay on WiFi. (Mine today!)
- You forgot to buy the tuna for tuna salad. (Anybody?)
- While shopping, you realize the coupon you planned to use is—you guessed it—at home.
- The washer buzzes three times because the load isn’t balanced.
Those little “cicada” moments can disturb our otherwise peaceful days.
As I listed my “trials” one day, my wise closer-than-cousin friend said, “Life is so daily.” What? Her statement stopped me in my whining tracks.
Yes, life is so daily, but I’m not quite ready for the alternative, are you? I know because I’ve accepted Jesus as Savior that I will live in Heaven when I leave this earth, but I’m not rushing the Lord’s designated time for that.
Life is so daily.
The statement changed my attitude that day and still does when I remember in the middle of daily
Life is a gift from God. Earthly life offers opportunities to serve the Lord and the Bible promises eternal life with Him for Christ followers.
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.
John 3:36
I confess that sometimes daily annoyances rob my joy and cloud my awareness of the One who creates each day.
Another challenge can be those chores that feel like déjà vu.
Didn’t I just mop this floor yesterday?
Whether one or six people live in your home, life is daily, isn’t it? You vacuum, and someone tracks in dirt. You buy groceries, and someone eats them. You load the dishwasher, and the sink fills up. You cut the grass, and it grows right back.
Life is so daily.
My mom, who was a wonderful wife and mother, once said with a chuckle, “If my family didn’t eat and wear clothes, I could get something done!” Ever feel like that?
What is the best way to face the irritations that badger us and the never-ending tasks that thwart plans for a productive day? Consider two suggestions that help me. They are simple, yet profound.
Life is so daily, but there are biblical responses that please God.
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24
Just imagine the change in our countenance and our outlook if we rejoiced during the day that God created!
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
How do you maintain a thankful heart and a focus on God during daily challenges? Please leave a comment to BRIGHTEN OUR DAY.
I researched the origin of the quote “Life is so daily.” I was unable to find proper attribution but read many references to it.
So true, Jeannie!! I try to remind myself that this life is boot camp for the real life to come. We are in training, and some of it is so mundane, but necessary to help discipline us to do things we don’t necessarily think are important (but are). And it all puts us one step closer to GLORY!
Glenda, what a perfect analogy! Discipline and self-control are so important along with our attitude. Thank you for adding value here.
We often forget all the little blessings in our lives too Ms. Jeannie. As I am recovering from a procedure, I find myself lamenting the fact that I cannot currently do all those little daily things/chores that I find myself missing so much today. I have to remind myself to thank God for the surgeon whose skill will allow me to do them, pain free, again one day. Thank you for the attitude adjustment my friend. Just what I needed today ma’am.
I’m so glad the post encouraged you. I will pray for complete recovery. You’re right that we miss the daily chores and abilities we have when they are hindered. Your reminder to be thankful in all circumstances is a good one for all of us.
This post was just right for my day today, Jeannie! In forgetting to rejoice daily, life has seemed to become burdensome. Thank you for the reminder that sometimes feeling irritation is a choice—a decision to yield to the temptation to cast joy aside for displeasure or anger. Thank you for sharing your insight in such a vulnerable way!
Rhonda, your comments are encouraging to me and I’m thankful the Lord used these words to bless you. I need reminder lessons often.
Beautiful post and beautiful reminder!! Thanks for sharing it!
Thank you, Jean. I need these reminders, too.
Yes, life is so daily and in the midst of it, Jesus shows up! Sometimes right in the middle of that ever growing pile of dirty laundry! Thank you for the reminder to look for Him….
I love that! “Life is so daily!” Because it is!! There is only one way to get around it and I’ll pass on that option as long as God is willing! Love you and your gift of writing!
Thank you so much, Wanda. Love you, sweet friend and faithful reader.
I love your comments, Jan. Your reminder is a good one–He’s always there, even in the middle of laundry day.
Jeannie. Your post exudes joy and lightness. I love that. Even though life is so daily, I praise God for each one. Thank you for such a beautiful reminder.
You’re wise to praise God each day. That’s a choice that honors Him and keeps our hearts in line. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Enjoyed this so practical article , which captures more of our everyday experiences as Christian believers, with “mountaintop ” experiences loved but rare. We believe for the peaceful assurance and joy that “leaks through” often. Surely Jesus spent a lot of time between miracles and recorded words on dusty roads, and in planing wood , helping with many brothers and sisters before His mininstry began! His comment about the lillies, “who neither toil nor spin” was made directly from his familiarity with those states. Thank you for reminding us that he came for our struggles of “so daily ” life , also, and is just as “with us” for those!
Fran, I love your reminders that Jesus faced daily life challenges when He was here. Your comments are encouraging to me as I seek to write as God leads.
“Perspective, first world problems, life is so daily”–you gave us much food for thought (and conviction) in this post. Loved the way you described our irritations and annoyances that once we see in print, are so minor. Praying I can keep perspective on my daily first world “problems”. Thank you, Jeannie.
Marilyn, writing the post was convicting to me, also. It’s easy to focus on earthly irritations, but God forgives and reminds us to look to Him, doesn’t He? Thank you for adding your thoughts.