#tbt blog….worth the reminder

This is a #tbtblog as I recall a note I wrote on Facebook three years ago, a memorable day that opened my eyes as God gently spoke through a sweet moment. This also is where I began using the phrase "There Are No Ordinary Days" and now its become my blog title. Enjoy as this moment still sits sweetly in my heart…..


Today seemed like an ordinary day. I set out with Jaden & Tessa to make a quick run to the fruit market and a drive thru pick up of coffee and a donut from our local Tim Hortons. This day like most was full of things to prepare, divide and conquer. However, this morning, Jaden was insistent that he did not want his donut at home. I knew what that meant. He wanted to go inside. Ok, we'll go in. I'll let him feast his eyes on the array of morning goodies and pick one to take with us. Sprinkled, he selected. No surprise. Getting out the door wasn't going to happen either, Jaden had decided in his mind that today he wanted to stay and eat too. 

This day like most was full of things to prepare, divide and conquer.

Jaden found the perfect seat, and as we began to sit down, someone called my name. "Carolyn". I turned to a familiar face of a older gentlemen sitting down the way. We walked over to say hello and make some small talk. The thought crossed my mind that maybe we should sit with him, but what would we talk about and would he even want us to? Besides its a two person table, and there were 4 of us. Reasonable in mind, I dimissed the idea as quickly as possible as I began to make my way back to our table. But Jaden had just made a new friend, so without hesitation, he climbed up and sat down. No concern that there was no room for mommy or his sister. Here we go. I moved our coffee and donut over and found a chair to pull up for me. I sat and held Tessa.


How sweet. How uncomfortable. Now what would we talk about? Well, this brought a smile to the gentlemen as he proceeded to tell me "this" had become his morning routine. Coffee and a muffin. You see he had lost his wife a year and half ago after 47 years of marriage. I listened to him talk about what he was doing to now to stay busy. For his wife had been his life, and now it was like starting all over. Coffee, walks at the beach, concerts at the outdoor mall, he was now putting himself out there to meet people, make friends and have that human connection.

Jaden, my boy, had no concept of feeling insecure, inadequate or uncomfortable. He sat and made the best conversation any three year could make. It was endearing. In fact, he made sure to walk around that restaurant saying hello to all the others there as well. He told them his name, his age, that he was getting big. Answered questions to the delight of the people. It was amazing and eye opening to me all at the same time.

It was amazing and eye opening to me all at the same time.

God had used Jaden today to open his mommy's eyes and to be a blessing to many others. His smile, his friendliness, his genuine love for life and willing to stop and engage with others was refreshing. We didn't stay long, but long enough for God to just whisper how precious days are and more importantly how precious people are.

Sometimes we need to just slow down, be willing to get a little uncomfortable, but most of all smile, love and extend some genuine friendliness.  As we made our way out to the car, my heart was full. I said to my son, "Jaden, you are awesome" in which he replied "Yep, I'm awesome". I laughed and knew that it was true, but more importantly how awesome God is in using any willing vessel even a 3 year old boy. It blessed this mommy's heart.

Three years later, this lesson still sits in my heart, and God continues to whisper 'There are no ordinary days'. Let Him use you today!