GirlTalk Book Club

Extraordinary Living

As if I didn’t already have a big enough stack of books on my “to be read” list, I’ve added another one! I joined the GirlTalk Book Club. The way it works is this: Each week we read a chapter from the selected book (this go ’round it is Twelve Extraordinary Women, by John MacArthur), and then answer the posted question, via e-mail, by the due date. The women of the GirlTalk Blog will then post their thoughts about the assigned chapter.

I am looking forward working through a book in this fashion again. I sometimes feel that, although I am reading some great books, and learning some incredible things, I have very few ways to process it. I write a lot for myself, but there is something about the interaction, and hearing (reading) others’ thoughts that help to solidify an idea for me. I figured this would be a good way to go through a book, that I’ve wanted to read for some time, with good accountability, but within a reasonable time frame. One chapter a week is doable, right? Well, I guess we shall see. So, as part of that accountability, I figured I’d take y’all along for the ride, and post my answers here, as well as turning them in each week. So, here we go….

How does your life feel ordinary, and how can it be truly extraordinary?
Chapter: Preface & Introduction
Due: August 3, 2006

In college, one of my assignments was to “outline” the New Testament. Each book was divided into sections, which we were to title, explain, and then give a personal application. In most instances, this was an assignment that I enjoyed…until I came to a genealogy. I had a difficult time figuring out how to personally apply “a list of names” to my life. But, eventually I realized that each of these people played a specific role in God’s sovereign plan! However insignificant their contribution may have been in man’s estimation, God was using their lives and unique abilities to accomplish the eternal!

That change in perspective has helped me to better understand and appreciate my life today as “just” a homemaker. I know there are those who would think little of all I do each day. There are days when I am tempted to think the same. I spend my days picking up toys, changing diapers, washing dishes, doing laundry, cooking meals, and chasing after an active 16-month-old. While this is exactly what I wanted to do “when I grow up,” there are times that I become discouraged, and feel as though I should be doing more. After all, I went to college, and earned a degree…shouldn’t I be doing something?

It is easy to become discouraged when I buy into the world’s value system. But, God gives us a glimpse of what He values in a woman in Proverbs 31. Here we see a woman who is energetic, diligent, creative, faithful, and wise as she takes care of her family and her home. Her husband trusts her, and she can look to the future without fear. These are all qualities that I hope to be developing in my own life. I have no desire to be super-mom, or Martha Stewart. The woman of Proverbs 31 was called noble, valuable, and trustworthy. This is what God has called me to – this is what I want to characterize my life.

I never want to view this calling as drudgery or obligation. It is a privilege to take care of my husband, my daughter, and our home. How I care for our home can be my ministry to my husband. It can free him to do his job, or it can be a hindrance. Each day with my daughter provides many opportunities (and challenges) to teach and train her. I can view my life as mundane, monotonous, and ordinary – and it will be just that. Or, I can choose to focus on each day as an investment in eternity – in the form of my husband, daughter, and home. And, time spent on the eternal is never, ever wasted…and it is far from ordinary!