Ordinary Time
Now until Advent is designated “ordinary time” in the church year. Ordinary time can be a gift, a time to appreciate and remember the everyday. When we’re parents of young children, sometimes the hours go slow and the years go fast. Mindfulness and awareness of the beauty in what can become monotonous can help us to find grace and God in those hours.
Read It
Isaiah 2:2-3
2 In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
3 Many peoples shall come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.”
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. - NRSV
Isaiah 2:2-3
2 In days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
shall be established as the highest of the mountains,
and shall be raised above the hills;
all the nations shall stream to it.
3 Many peoples shall come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the house of the God of Jacob;
that he may teach us his ways
and that we may walk in his paths.”
For out of Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. - NRSV
Do It: Mountain Day
This concept is borrowed from Smith College, and tweaked considerably! Wake up one morning, and declare a Mountain Day. As a family, leave behind the mountains of work and seek God on the mountaintop. Go out in search of God. Depending on your geography and interests, this could take on many forms:
This concept is borrowed from Smith College, and tweaked considerably! Wake up one morning, and declare a Mountain Day. As a family, leave behind the mountains of work and seek God on the mountaintop. Go out in search of God. Depending on your geography and interests, this could take on many forms:
- Ride city transportation to multiple destinations, and point out sightings of God at work as you go.
- Go to a zoo or a park, and take pictures of God’s creation. Help your child discover the mystery of God we can see so well in nature.
- Walk around your downtown, enjoying with all your senses God’s world. If you have older children, use the chance to help them find ways to join God’s work – where is God already at work, and how can you join it?
- Spend the day in your backyard or on a farm, partnering with God to make things grow.
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Pray It
God, thank you for this world you have created. Thank you for special days and for ordinary days. Help us to find ways to meet you every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen. |
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Extras
