Ordinarily Extraordinary: Life's Paradox
Today I unloaded 18 years of my life into a dorm room and said "hello" to a whole new world (♬ cue the Disney music ♬) (if you don't understand go watch Aladdin) (right away please, because it's wonderful). New responsibilities, learning experiences, and challenges...I've only been living on a college campus for a few hours and I've already discovered something about life that I hadn't seen or understood in its entirety before.
Each and every life is ordinarily extraordinary.
In order to explain, I'll use a visual. Not only because 65% of the population are visual learners, but also because I'd love to share a picture of what I worked on today in my dorm:
Lots of other girls and boys have done the exact same thing that I did today. They've unpacked their boxes, said goodbye to their families, and gotten ready for classes. In that sense, this picture is ordinary.
But I doubt that anyone else sees the same memories that I do when they look at the pictures hanging on my wall. I doubt they would remember with fondness the countless speeches I gave from the cards in my Apologetics box, or smile when they hug "Cotton" (my stuffed animal). The memories that these items capture and the significance that they possess are unique to me, and me only. That is why this picture is extraordinary.
You are one among a sea of billions, and in that sense, you are ordinary (normal, commonplace, standard).
But.
Your life will never be repeated, and in that sense, you are extraordinary (remarkable, unique, special).
It is a strange paradox, isn't it? To be so usual, yet so unusual, and all at the same time.
Here's what I challenge you to do:
Be Ordinary: Don't ever think of yourself as somehow greater than others. Remember that they grapple with the same problems, face the same fears, and wonder the same thoughts. Do to them what you wish they would do to you.
Be Extraordinary: On this entire planet, there is no one with your knack for making people laugh, dreams to change the world, and passion for things that matter. Resist the steady pull that tries so hard to send us into the current of normality. No matter who you are or where you're from, never forget how special you are - especially in God's eyes.
The moment you are living right now is quite ordinary, really. But now it's gone, never to be replayed.
Each and every life is ordinarily extraordinary.
In order to explain, I'll use a visual. Not only because 65% of the population are visual learners, but also because I'd love to share a picture of what I worked on today in my dorm:
But I doubt that anyone else sees the same memories that I do when they look at the pictures hanging on my wall. I doubt they would remember with fondness the countless speeches I gave from the cards in my Apologetics box, or smile when they hug "Cotton" (my stuffed animal). The memories that these items capture and the significance that they possess are unique to me, and me only. That is why this picture is extraordinary.
You are one among a sea of billions, and in that sense, you are ordinary (normal, commonplace, standard).
But.
Your life will never be repeated, and in that sense, you are extraordinary (remarkable, unique, special).
It is a strange paradox, isn't it? To be so usual, yet so unusual, and all at the same time.
Here's what I challenge you to do:
Be Ordinary: Don't ever think of yourself as somehow greater than others. Remember that they grapple with the same problems, face the same fears, and wonder the same thoughts. Do to them what you wish they would do to you.
Be Extraordinary: On this entire planet, there is no one with your knack for making people laugh, dreams to change the world, and passion for things that matter. Resist the steady pull that tries so hard to send us into the current of normality. No matter who you are or where you're from, never forget how special you are - especially in God's eyes.
The moment you are living right now is quite ordinary, really. But now it's gone, never to be replayed.
Extraordinary, isn't it?
Wow, excellent thoughts. We are praying for you as you begin this new journey. Hope you are having a great time. We really miss you and are anxious to see you and visit about your early experiences of university life. God's richest blessings on you as you walk in Him!
ReplyDeleteI miss you guys, too and hope to see you soon! Blessings!
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