By Jamie Thompson
“Ordinary day, let me cherish the gem that you are. Allow me to learn from your lessons, to embrace you, and to appreciate you before you fade away. Let me refrain from rushing towards some elusive and flawless tomorrow. Let me hold on to you while I have the chance, for you may not always be here. One day, I’ll find myself digging my fingers into the earth, burying my face in a pillow, stretching my body to its limits, or raising my hands to the heavens, yearning for your return more than anything else in the world.” – Inspired by Mary Jean Irion
Motherhood consists of countless days—some bright, others challenging, but mostly just those that feel “normal.” These are the days filled with routines, nap times, and the endless cycle of cleaning up after little ones. They are days marked by bedtime struggles, laughter, tears, tickles, and tantrums.
In the realm of parenting, normal days can blend chaos and wonder, monotony and joy, all at once. This is the true essence of being a parent. Yet, it’s easy to become disillusioned with certain aspects of these everyday moments. The chaos can feel overwhelming. The meltdowns can test our patience. The repetitiveness can wear us down like a slow drip—drip—drip.
Normalcy doesn’t always equate to comfort. The usual nights of waking frequently to comfort a child can feel burdensome. The typical mornings, marked by bleary-eyed kids searching for shoes, can become frustrating. Daily struggles with homework or sibling disputes can grow tiresome, leaving us wishing for a future with less demand.
How often do we find ourselves longing to escape those ordinary moments? How frequently do we yearn to leap ahead to a “perfect tomorrow”? I know I do. As I scrub the kitchen for what feels like the millionth time or remind my kids to toss their wrappers, I sometimes wish for a time when their needs don’t feel so incessant.
Yet, in those moments of yearning for the future, I pause and take inventory of the life I’m living. I capture a mental snapshot of this ordinary day, reminding myself there may come a time when I would trade anything to experience it again.
This isn’t a far-off concept. I think of Sarah, a single mother, whose only child was diagnosed with a terminal illness. I remember the days they faced together—from the moment of the diagnosis to the heartbreaking moments leading to her child’s passing at just 12. What she would give for a single ordinary day.
I reflect on our own family’s journey during my brother-in-law’s battle with cancer, a time when our days felt anything but normal. I recall the profound impact of losing a beloved uncle when I was just ten, a tragedy that shifted my entire perspective.
I think of the countless individuals living in war-torn regions, those facing famine, or refugees seeking safety, all yearning for a semblance of normalcy. I remember those grappling with sudden loss or unexpected trauma, wishing for the mundane moments we often take for granted.
And in that realization, despite its challenges, I find gratitude for the ordinary day. It’s not about dismissing our frustrations because others have it worse; comparing our experiences isn’t helpful. Instead, there’s a beauty in recognizing the value of a normal day. Even when it feels monotonous or overwhelming, the ability to call a day “normal” is a true blessing.
Let us honor our ordinary days as the gifts they truly are. Let us learn from them and express our gratitude for what they provide. Let’s strive to embrace each moment rather than wishing them away, as none of us can predict what tomorrow may unfold.
“Ordinary day, let me appreciate the treasure you are.” Indeed.
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In summary, let us embrace the beauty and lessons within our normal days, understanding that they are precious gifts in the tapestry of motherhood.