'Unprecented times'

Unprecedented' is a word we have heard so much over these past few weeks, 'unprecedented' times, moments, events....and yet each day we are living the 'extraordinary-ordinary'.

Finally we have seen ‘ordinary people’ doing ‘ordinary jobs’ being lauded in extraordinary and grateful fashion: shelf-stackers, cleaners, porters, drivers, essential good suppliers, postmen and women, the list is endless. Maybe we are beginning to see that we rely on each other so much and not be afraid to acknowledge this. Whilst we were so interconnected digitally, we forgot that we continue to be interconnected and interdependent for all these precious services which we tend to take for granted. At the moment, digital connectedness is a lifeline for so many but hopefully it won’t become the substitute for face-to-face and human interaction, care, support and kindness. Watching the ‘One World-Together at Home’ concert last night, there was a strong sense of global solidarity in acknowledging the huge sacrifices of our brothers and sisters in trying to combat the COVID-19 virus. It struck me when people from the different countries were asked what they miss most, children and adults alike answered that they missed hugs, embraces, outreach to family especially grandparents. It’s amazing that this virus has led us to recall that the most precious things in life are free and all can give and receive them.
It’s a new week, it’s a new day and we are called to approach it with positivity and hope. We may be not be on the frontlines but our attitude to how we spend our time will impact the environment around us and the people with whom we live and interconnect with.
Yes, God does call some people to go out and do new and extraordinary things but that doesn’t mean that what we do is insignificant. For the vast majority of us, He’s called us to live an ordinary life but He desires that we live it in an extraordinary way.  We don’t have to prove ourselves to God or to anyone for that matter. It can seem that even in church circles, we have to do ‘big’ things. There is so much importance placed on having a big ministry or having that “special calling” to bigger things yet we often fail to recognise that God can do extraordinary things when we’re doing the ordinary.
Every single life is special and extraordinary and we don’t need exciting lives which give us interesting photos and bizarre statuses to post on Facebook or Twitter to prove this.

So how can we live in the 'extraordinary-ordinary' of today? We can give unconditionally without expecting in return, a kind word, gesture, a message to a friend or family member. Pick up the phone and chat to someone who may be going through a difficult time. By giving time to someone in need of a kind word or gesture when you feel just like having your personal space. Love in a way which the world doesn’t acknowledge: love the poor, the weak, those whom the world deems ‘unlovable’. Be faithful in the little things, making the little sacrifices which no-one might even see. We are all called to be a little kinder that usual and this will be make the difference between whether we ‘survive’, ‘live’ or even ‘thrive’ during this unprecedented time!  Let’s try and live our ordinary lives in an extraordinary way. So don’t be afraid to be ordinary!