If I had known that today would be a special day, then I might have baked a cake or bought party hats. If I had known that God was planning to interrupt all of our mundane activities with a wonderful, re-birthday surprise, then I would have lived the whole day a bit differently. I guess that’s why it is best that I didn’t know because I might have ruined it with my out-of-the-ordinary behavior. I am still learning that God works His wonders in the ordinary-ness, daily-ness of life.
We didn’t do anything special today. We played around all morning: the kids played football in the backyard, we ate hotdogs for lunch, we rested, went to see Charlotte’s Web, I worked on a sewing project, did some laundry…there was not anything about today to distinguish it from any other day.
I was washing dishes and Benjamin was helping me by drying the big ones that I didn’t want to pile in the drain. We were just talking about stuff–the movie, which dishes go where, nothing really. I noticed he was having a little trouble breathing, so I asked him about it. He said he was fine and that he didn’t want to take any medicine.
“You have to if you’re having trouble breathing. We can’t play around with your asthma. It has killed people before,” and then I said kind of under my breath, “and I’m not ready for you to die.”
“I’m not, either. I don’t know if I’ll go to heaven.” I was surprised by this answer from Benjamin because he has prayed for a new heart and for God’s help to be like Christ. Prayers like this come from one who already has a new heart and so I have believed for months that Benjamin was already God’s child. I had not thought about the fact that HE didn’t know that.
With each child, from the time I knew I was expecting him or her, I have daydreamed about moments like these. We review the gospel almost daily in our family. We are constantly reminded by the way we act and the way we speak to one another that we are sinners in need of a Savior. And, more often than not, since I am with the kids more, they hear the gospel from me. But THE MOMENT is the one I dream about. Only, so far, it has not happened like my dreams. With both Hannah and Benjamin, Karl has been home and has said, “Let’s go talk.” So when he heard those words come out of Benjamin’s mouth, he said, “Come here, Benjamin, let’s talk.”
They talked. And Benjamin came out of the laundry room (I’m convinced if there is a “holy place” in our house, it’s the laundry room) knowing that he is God’s child. He came to me grinning from ear to ear. I got the biggest hug and an “I love you.” That’s some sweet fruit.
We were just washing dishes.
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Leslie Wiggins 
10 responses to “Extraordinary in the Ordinary”
Wow! What great news. I dream of “the day” as well as my boys especially ask more and more questions and show the beginnings of faith.
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Wow, this brought tears to my eyes. I imagine that that is nothing greater than this to make your heart rejoice! It certainly is extraordinary in the ordinary!
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Oh, Leslie! How beautiful! It made me cry, too. I love how God uses ordinary moments to turn them into extraordinary ones! God bless you and your family. Terrimomsdailythoughts.blogspot.com
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How exciting! It is great that Karl was home at the time as well. Thanks for sharing.
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That is awesome! It brought tears to my eyes knowing how you must have been feeling! I can’t wait for those moments as our kids get older. The seeds of faith are being planted…
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That is so awesome and encouraging, I also loved how you desribed yuor daily need for the gospel. One of my best friends always tells me that “your sin creates the perfect oppurtunity to point my kids to the savior”. Not that sin is the goal but it will happen and it proves our need to be saved.
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Leslie,I read your blog almost daily and receive a blessing each time, but this really touched my heart and made it kind of melt (it made me cry, too). You and Karl are doing a wonderful job raising your children–y’all bless me every timeI see you! I’ve wondered many times about what kind of parent I’ve been to Rick–have I really done my best or what could I have done differently. He has accomplished a lot academically, but more importantly, under his hunk and all that hair, he has a tender heart and a burning desire for God’s word and sharing that with others. He does well in school but doesn’t consider that to be the most important thing in his life. Many times kids in college stray from God’s word and fellowship with other believers (especially the church family), but Rick has been more dedicated than ever to Bible study and yearning to know God and what He wants him to do with his life. He spends a lot of his free time listening to sermons that he has downloaded off the internet. Next summer he would like to audit some classes at the New Orleans seminary extension in B’ham–we may have another preacher in the family someday! I’m rambling and I didn’t mean to–I’ve got to get back to work! (I’m definitely not a blogger!)I’m so happy for Benjamin and y’all! Love, Aunt Terry
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I think you’ve done a fine job with Rick. He just needs a haircut! 🙂
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Hey all my bloggy friends, thanks for rejoicing with me. Aunt Terry–I echo Karl. Rick is a FINE young man. And I like his hair. I have to fight the urge to run my fingers through it, and/or push it behind his ear. Hey, as long as it’s clean! ANOTHER pastor in the family?! (:-0
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BEAUTIFUL! I just love your family! Thanks so much for sharing this!!!! Ahhh….PRAISE JESUS!!!
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