Sometimes life can become little more than a repetitive rhythm of responsibilities and commitments. If we’re not careful, the day-to-day routine furrows a rut of monotony and dissatisfaction.
In addition, it may not be feasible to make the changes we dream of: a new job, a move across the country, pursuit of an exciting pastime like paragliding, vacations in exotic locations, or other adventuresome options.
We have kids. Others are counting on us. We don’t have the resources or time.
Does that mean we’re chained to tedium for the foreseeable future? Not at all.
Listed below are six ways (out of many) to spark excitement in our spirits:
Make Others Smile–and Even Laugh
In fact, Jesus taught that providing benefit to others is actually a greater blessing to the giver than the receiver [1]. Surely that principle applies to smiles and laughter also.
I wonder how many smiles and chuckles we can cause today?
Celebrate the Small
Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
Kurt Vonnegut
Sometimes we have to be proactive and stir up a little excitement—make a big deal out of something small, such as:
- Celebrate the achievement of a family member. Did one of the children (grandchildren, nieces or nephews) earn an award, make the honor roll, successfully complete a project, or finish his first chapter book? Commemorate the occasion with the honoree’s favorite main dish for dinner, create a song or present a speech; include plenty of applause.
- Research an interesting historical event that happened on an upcoming date. Have the kids plan a dinner celebration in honor of the anniversary. They might create table decorations, a reenactment or presentation, a quiz to stump the parents [2].
- Try something new—a restaurant, park, museum, or activity. Explore another neighborhood or town nearby.
Afterwards, add a prayer of thanksgiving, and you’ll find such experiences enhanced even further.
Be Curious and Pursue Discovery . . .
. . . in creation, in knowledge, in the backstory of people you know, and especially in scripture.
Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.
Lovelle Drachman
It’s exhilarating to discover something new, don’t you think?
Equally delightful is the realization that no matter how long we live, how much we read, how many people we get to know, how much time we spend studying scripture, there will always be more to discover.
I find that exciting!
Encourage Others
How exciting is that?
Speak Gratitude and Praise
Write down the blessings of one day. We might begin; we could never end; there are not pens or paper enough in all the world.
George A. Buttrick
No doubt, such a list would foster excitement in our hearts—for a God of goodness, compassion, generosity and power, who provides enumerable blessings each day.
Pray about Everything . . .
. . . and enjoy the thrill God has ordained, allowing us to be a part of his healings, provisions, guidance for decisions and more.
Now review the headings above and note:
Finding adventure in everyday life is not about grand gestures, but about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
John Claborn [3]
Finding adventure . . . seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary . . . sounds like an exciting pursuit, don’t you think?
What sparks excitement for you? What strategy might you try next? Please share in the comment section below!
____________________
[1] Acts 20:35
[2] See https://www.ducksters.com/todayinhistory.php, a resource for possibilities to celebrate.
[3] https://theruggedface.com/finding-adventure-in-everyday-life/
Image credits: http://www.flickr.com; http://www.stockcake.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.stockcake.com; http://www.canva.com.
Please sign up below for the monthly newsletter that includes features not on the blog.
AVAILABLE THIS MONTH: “Thirty Days of Praise”–scriptures and question-prompts to turn our hearts and minds toward celebrating God. Draw near to him with a few moments of reflection and worship, and KNOW: he will draw near to you (James 4:8). (Contemplate for a moment what a monumental privilege that is.)
Scroll to the end of the newsletter to find this resource. And thank you in advance for becoming a subscriber!
From the Inside Out 