I heard this quote years ago when our children were quite young and it really helped me then to allow myself to step out of the rat race. The chasing after the elusive dream of my worth, which was attached to how busy I was. I knew then that to be away from home, or always on the run did nothing to promote peace. Rather it created discord and unrest.
But how did I come to settle into this and was there Scripture to back up this thought? The Bible is full of wild adventures, commands to witness, serve, go. But on the flip side there are commands to be still, rest and know. How are these accomplished with young children in the home, or a home with many people? Or, now, as my children are young adults and our family is changing? Or, can I be ok with life happening in the mundane?
Not counting the fact that I have been in confinement in my room since October 5.
Have I found myself chasing that self-worth train because my status has changed as a mother – not in role, but in the activities of the role? For most of the past year I have had to relinquish caring for my home, meals, and such because of this ongoing affliction. Can I say that life is still happening even in this? That my ambition it still to lead a quiet life? To do things that will honor and please God, no matter what the circumstance and in affliction or not?
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
These verses have been favorites of mine for many years. Many years – and those were years as a young mom, a homeschooling mom at that. I need to make it my ambition, my goal to lead a quiet life. I could swap out the word quiet to mundane, as to have a practical way of looking at things. When my life is mundane, I am doing the things that are right before me. And it’s the repetitive things – it used to be laundry, meals, cleaning, teaching. Now it is praying, writing, studying, family life, my small business, connecting with people. Seeing the same 4 people within the same 4 walls. And THIS is to be my ambition. My goal.
In our home, we never ever use the word bored. Because we never were or are. There is always something to do on a farm, for one. And there are always books to read, projects to tinker in and food to experiment. The beauty of homeschooling taught me that we can always be a learner and we can pursue things that we want to learn, make, do. I did not realize that until now, but all those years in our homeschool has made it possible for me to sit in this room without going crazy. Don’t get me wrong – I do have my moments. But, for 99% of the time, I am content.
Wait. Did I just type that? Yup. Those are my hands on the computer and it’s my computer. So, yes, I typed that I am content in my mundane. Wow. Only God in me could have those words fly out of my head. Who knew that I would be needing to be able to entertain myself? Doing seemingly mundane things that make up my days. Sitting in a chair for hours on end, feet elevated and in much pain. In case you are wondering – I am not sitting here watching Hallmark movies all day long. I have yet to do it. In fact, I am so busy doing mundane things, that I need a vacation from my confinement!
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11, 12, 13
The context of these verses is in relationship to finances and needs – as in food, shelter and clothing. Paul was addressing those concerns of the people in Philippi. And he says a powerful truth – the secret to contentment. Through Christ. In Christ alone can life be done. And in that alone is great contentment. Paul tapped into Christ to find his fulfillment on the crazy adventures God had him doing, or in the quiet recesses of long nights, hungry days, and desert times.
The goal is to lead a quiet life; basically to live a life that pleases God. There will be times that it is harum-scarum. Other times quiet as a tomb. But, it’s the contentment of knowing that life happens in the mundane, in the every day, and because Christ is here, that makes it all worth it.
