Ordinary – that’s the title of a new book by Michael Horton
about “sustainable faith in a radical, restless world.” Horton speaks primarily
of spiritual matters, but I think what he says applies to so much of our
everyday lives—work, leisure, relationships.
After all, who wants to work at an ordinary job, go on an ordinary
vacation, or have an ordinary relationship?
Today words like “ultimate,” “extreme” and “awesome” are in
vogue. In the workplace or business world we often hear that companies or
organizations are “emergent,” “impactful” and “innovative.” Let’s face it, if
you’re not “cutting edge,” you are nowhere on the power grid. It got me thinking about how much many of us,
me included, may be influenced by this not-so-subtle message of our culture.
According to Horton, “ordinary” is “one of the loneliest words in our
vocabulary today,” and he notes that no one wants a bumper sticker announcing to
the neighborhood, “My child is an ordinary student at Bubbling Brook
Elementary.”
Just to be clear, Horton is not talking about settling for
mediocrity or just getting by. Rather, he is suggesting the never ending calls
to greatness, e.g., “Be all that you be” and “Never settle” are exhausting on
multiple levels. In the words of Tish Harrison Warren, many of us have never
learned “how to be an average person living an average life in a beautiful
way.” We are continually pushed and
prodded to believe there is something more we could attain or be, if only we
pursued our dreams with more vigor.
Here’s the thing that concerns me . . . and Horton. We can
make heroic efforts to do some great thing in our community or around the
globe, but fail to be a decent human being to our neighbor. We may be
innovative and impactful at work, but fail to demonstrate that same kind of
energy on a day-to-day basis with our families. We make sure our children have
awesome, memorable vacations, but fail to help them consistently demonstrate
good manners or be content with what they have.
Much has been said about “the greatest generation,” also
known as the “silent generation.” What occurs to me now is that their greatness
seems highly correlated with their willingness to be “ordinary,” i.e., to show
up, day after day, doing their work with persistence and dedication. Perfect?
No, but their faithfulness to the everydayness of life over a lifetime created
some extraordinary legacies marked by courage and sacrifice.
As we begin a new year, I’m wondering if it might be good to
consider more ways to be ordinary, draw less attention to ourselves, resolve to
pay attention to people who don’t really benefit us in any way. Perhaps we
could get to know our neighbors. Maybe we could resolve to be on time—early
even—just so we could make space in our schedule to welcome others. Possibly we
could worry less about what will make us happy and put more energy into how to
make the world a better place for those within our circle of influence every
day – small children, cashiers, service workers, those we supervise or report
to. Small kindnesses, caring words and everyday courtesies don’t seem like much
in the face of world hunger. That’s why it takes courage to pursue them on a
daily basis. As the saying goes, “Everyone wants a revolution. No one wants to
do the dishes.”
Becoming more content
with being ordinary may be just what is required for a happy, healthy life, rich
in community.
Ordinarily yours,
Dr. Jennifer Baker
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