the gradual change.

I thought I had an idea of what I would say about change but realized that I wasn't quite sure (I feel like this is a pattern). I mean, there are many things in my life that have changed or are not quite what I thought I would be (ahem, still single and not entirely sure why, but whatevs). However, I knew that wasn't exactly what I needed to focus on. Then I decided to sing, which led me to Corinne Bailey Rae's Put Your Records On, which has two phrases that say,

The more things seems to change, the more they stay the same
Ooo, don't you hesitate

The more you stay the same, the more they seem to change
Don't you think it's strange?

I do think it is strange. It's odd that when we spend all of this time trying to change things, not much seems to happen, but when you look back at the day-to-day, you see that so much has changed.

Most of life is lived within the constant day-by-day monotony of life. We don't spend many lives living in the mountain highs and valley lows. This is not to say that those moments are not pivotal or essential in our lives. I mean, I am only where I am because of the insane moments, but those moments cannot be constantly replicated, nor do I want them to be.

So, the monotony. The day-by-day grind of waking up, getting ready, going to class/work, eating, and sleeping. Those moments are important. Those moments are a constant, consistent stream that leaves its indent in your life over time. Those day-by-day decisions go a major lasting change in your life. These small daily decisions are essential in the change you see in your life.

Usually, I would have a little story on the topic, but life has been extraordinary. In fact, I have been dwelling on this post for quite some time. I realized that I am gaining understanding and a love for the monotony, or liturgy, of life. I am still figuring out and understanding the need my soul and life have for consistency. While spontaneity is great, and I am always up for a random adventure searching for the highest point in my city, I am realizing that I also desire for my Wednesdays and Thursdays to be filled with work, studying, classes, and then community with those the Lord has placed in life. Those consistent moments are also when it is easier for me to be consistent in digging into my relationship with God. Those are the times when I am able to spend my mornings digging into the word, meditating on Scripture, and journaling all of my feelings.

So, while I am all about big, life-shaking moments that bring about change (because trust me I have A TON), I am also living for the gradual change that is found in living in the sameness of each day. My heart swells with joy at the thought that I get to wake up at the same time each day with a schedule that repeats and is pretty stable, but still has some flexibility for life to just be life. I am finding the joy that God sees fit to work in our days that look the same and not only in the mountain highs and valley lows.

So, friend, I hope you can look back at all the things that stay the same and see how much has changed. I pray you to find joy in how God is using your normal day-to-day to teach you so much. I also hope you are able to use that consistency to draw near to the only one who is consistent.