A SHORT REFLECTION ON THE ORDINARY

“I am just an ordinary person.” This is probably a phrase that feels increasingly true as we grow older. As we mature and see more of the world, we become aware of how small we are in the grand scheme of things—just one person among millions, with seemingly ordinary abilities and an ordinary life. At times we may even wonder -  Do the things we do really matter? Does my presence make any difference?

Yet the Bible reminds us that even in our smallness, God sees us and values us: “What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?” (Psalm 8:4). Our sense of ordinariness is not a weakness—it is precisely where God chooses to work.

Sometimes we question whether God is truly present in the life of someone as insignificant and ordinary as ourselves. But as many sermons have reminded us, the simple fact that we can wake up every morning is itself a quiet blessing. So many things have to fall into place—the air we breathe, the systems we depend on and the physical strength to rise and move. These daily mercies are easy to overlook, yet they are signs of God’s steadfast care. As Lamentations 3:22–23 says, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness”. Even our most “ordinary” days are made possible by God.

Another way God shows His presence in my ordinary life is through the people He places around me. I know I am far from perfect—I can be selfish, careless and slow to consider others at times. Yet when I look back, I realise how blessed I have been to encounter people who are gentle, patient and good-hearted. Even though I am not someone one would count as socially adept, God has indeed shielded me from many difficult situations and has surrounded me with people who have shaped me for the better. It is something I need to remind myself often, because these blessings are so easy to take for granted. James 1:17 tells us that every gift we receive is from God, and this certainly includes the people I have met so far in my life. Many have supported me during difficult times, even those with whom I have lost contact over the years. Their presence—whether brief or lasting—has helped me grow. I do not know whether my presence has ever enriched someone else’s life, or I have been a source of difficulty instead. But I do hope it's still an overall positive or neutral feeling I can give to others. 

We also face “ordinary” struggles every day. There are countless decision points in a single day, and sometimes our judgement fails in small ways. These struggles may seem insignificant, but small choices accumulate—whether towards good habits or harmful ones. A simple decision like buying a $1 lottery ticket “just once” can grow into something bigger over time. The same principle applies to virtues: small acts of obedience, discipline or kindness eventually shape our character. Jesus speaks of the importance of small faithfulness in Luke 16:10: “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”. Indeed, we need to be more mindful of these seemingly ordinary struggles, as they either make or break our eventual thoughts and actions.

And so perhaps what we can learn is also quite ordinary: to take just a few quiet moments at the end of each day to reflect on one thing we are thankful for. It may sound cliché, but pausing to review our day helps us live more mindfully rather than drifting through life on autopilot. I admit I too do not do this consistently, but on the days when I manage to pause and breathe, the day ends differently—more gently and grounded. It is a small practice, but an important reminder to stay present to God in the everyday. As Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”.

Even in our ordinariness, God is present. And that alone makes the ordinary extraordinary.

Ask Yourself:

1. What are the two ways God can show His presence in a person’s ordinary life?

2. Why does the article say that “ordinary” struggles and small decisions matter even though they seem insignificant at first?

3. In what ways have you experienced God’s presence in the “ordinary” parts of your daily life - through people, circumstances, or quiet moments you often overlook?

Suggested Answers:

1. Daily life and the people being placed around us.

2. Small habits, be it good or bad, build up over time. 

3. You may discuss this with brethren whom you are closer with.