Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the person who takes refuge in him!
Psalm 34:8 (CSB)
I’ve been looking for goodness — for that which is sweet, good for the soul, joyful and light; for God’s goodness in everyday, ordinary places. In the middle of a wet and sloppy spring here in Minnesota, it can be hard to remember that possibilities and hope still exist. These days, it seems like the right move to be on the lookout for good.
What I’ve found is that goodness is everywhere — all around, all the time, in all the places.
This week my baby sister will have her second baby and my youngest will turn six months old. My kids are head over heels in love with their baby brother and their newest cousin. We’ve prayed for these babies, waited for their arrivals, celebrated them at socially distanced showers, decorated for them, and waited some more. Bring on the snuggles, the onesies, the pacifiers strewn about, the late-night texts from my sister while we’re both awake and nursing babies, the pure sweetness of a brand new baby. In a world that still holds that delicious newborn baby smell, there is still good.
My youngest daughter starts kindergarten next fall. Hard as I try to clench my fists around the slippery strands of time, it just keeps marching along. It reminds me of when we attended the kindergarten round-up night at our elementary school with our middle daughter, who was absolutely giddy to be there. She was dizzy with the attention of both parents solely focused on her, the prospect of her own desk filled with pencils and folders, a new teacher, new friends, an entire library to browse during elementary school, and the promise of riding a yellow school bus with her big brother. Her joy was overwhelming, and I couldn’t stop grinning big and silly at her happiness and hopefulness. In a world that still holds freshly sharpened pencils and the joy and hope of attending school, there is still good.
This winter, I made soup. When the temperatures dipped below zero, it was time to drag out the stoneware, dutch oven, and slow-cooker. My knife found a rhythm in slicing vegetables, my ears loved the sizzle of browning meat, and my heart gave a leap as I shook seasonings into the pot and suddenly the soup was more than single ingredients standing alone. Adding a fresh loaf of crusty-on-the-outside, squishy-on-the-inside bread and maybe a tossed green salad on the side, and dinner on a cold winter’s night was ready. The satisfaction of cooking is a motivator for me, and the joy it brings me to set a nice table and welcome my family around it is palpable. In a world that holds tables to gather around, family to break bread, and meals to be made, there is still good.
Daily, I dig into my laundry pile. I sort whites and bright colors, add detergent and swish-swash goes the washer. I vacuum up dog hair, fallen from our dog who loves to zoom and barrel dive into our legs. I load the dishwasher, unload the dishwasher, and load it up again, full of dishes on which meals and snacks were served and enjoyed. I pick up tiny toys and stack books on shelves and go to curbside pickup at the store for shampoo and bananas. I check in with family via texts, keep the calendar up to date (paper for me, electronic for my husband), and place books on hold at the library. I plan meals and turn in my hours for work and collapse into bed at the end of the day, thankful for each task ticked off my to-do list and asking for help to finish the leftovers. In a world that holds housekeeping tasks and teems with minutiae-managing, there is still good.
I sit at my computer, typing out words and creating emails, check in on social media and schedule a few posts, attend video meetings and work with our team to integrate editorial and marketing campaigns. I pray over each word published. This work I’m blessed to do is my sweet spot — ministry + business + writing. In a world that holds work that brings deep joy, there is still good.
God, who loves us as much as He did on day one, makes all things work for the good of those who love Him. He thinks of us constantly, more than there are grains of sand. He created the heat of summer, the colors of autumn, the glittering snow of winter, and the newness of life in spring. He went to the grave and back for us, for me and you. In a world overflowing with reminders of God’s love, there is still good.
The walk to school. The sermon at church. The fresh-fallen snow. The width and depth of the ocean. The warmth of the sun. The crisp pages of a new, blank journal. A hot latte. A letter from a friend. A daisy growing out of a sidewalk crack. Your children, friends, and family. A verse in Scripture that speaks straight to your heart. Goodness isn’t hard to find, especially when you’re on the lookout.
May you taste and see the goodness of the Lord, right there in your everyday (which is really anything but ordinary).
Leave a Comment
Ann Woleben says
I enjoyed reading your post and I could feel the joy you have in the “ordinary” day-to-day activities of your life. During this pandemic and isolation, it has been a time of quiet reflection and a time of finding goodness in the simple tasks. Your family is blessed to have you because I am sure you reflect that joy and goodness each day. God has blessed you with a grateful heart.
Anna E. Rendell says
Thank you, Ann. Sometimes I sure have to dig deep for it, but I try.
Patricia J Krupske says
I love this. I woke up this morning and He kept dropping the word ordinary in my spirit and then I read this.. Right? I read this and love it! I love Him and I wrote something a couple of weeks ago about Finding him and Him finding us in the ordinary. The relationship we have with Him and how He loves being included in all the ordinary things, every day. And then He will surprise us! With a bald eagle in your favorite tree, at just that right moment. In an area where it so rare! Thank you for sharing!
Anna E. Rendell says
Love those little reminders of how He is with us!
Michele Morin says
Eyes wide open today, friend! Thanks for the grace-binoculars in this post.
Anna E. Rendell says
Looove that visual, Michele!
connie ker says
Goodness can be found everywhere, everyday, and in every heart. But sometimes there is loss in life which is the hardest part of being alive. On those days the mood changes and we ask the Holy Spirit to comfort us and pray in our behalf because we cannot find goodness. I recently became a widow, then the pandemic arrived, and goodness has been elusive. Your stories of New Life is truly a Gift from God and it smells of love and goodness. But remember those you know who give up Hope and cannot find goodness today.
Kathy Cheek says
Connie, Sometimes hope comes in small steps, I pray you will take steps towards hope today!
Beth Williams says
Connie,
Asking God to show you goodness in your everyday life. May you sense His presence always. Praying you feel hopeful in all things soon.
Abba Father,
Please come & shower Connie with your goodness & hope. Comfort her in the loss of her husband. Send others to call/write or visit her & bring some life & happiness back into her life. Let her feel your loving arms around her. In Jesus Name AMEN!
Blessings 🙂
Anna E. Rendell says
Connie, I am so sorry for your loss. Of course goodness feels elusive; you’re smack dab in the midst of grief, and I am so sorry. Joining with the others in prayer that God would meet your heart in even the smallest of peaceful ways today.
Gail says
What a beautiful reminder of the joy of the Lord and the good gifts He surrounds us with every day. Love this!
Top o’ the mornin’ to y’all! ☘️
Anna E. Rendell says
Yeah! Thanks Gail!
Paula says
It’s so stormy today in the south!! But knowing God is still in control and he is watching over us. But we still can see God’s goodness!! Thank you for your post. I needed it this my
Anna E. Rendell says
So glad you joined us, Paula, and hoping all is dry now.
Kellie Johnson says
Reading this I was right in the kitchen with you, preparing a warm meal for those I love. Even in the midst of the unknowns, life is still good because He is good. Beautiful reminder to be on the lookout for all of it.
Kellie
Anna E. Rendell says
Soooo much goodness in the kitchen, right?? Thanks for being here, Kellie.
Mary Ruth McNatt says
God’s goodness glows with His glory in your words. Thank you for your beautiful work. ❤️
Anna E. Rendell says
Thanks for your kind words, Mary.
Irene says
Lovely reminders, Anna! I will be looking today. And all the days. Thank you for being you and sharing it with us.❤
Anna E. Rendell says
Irene, what’d you see as your eyes were open?? Love that intentionality!
Linda says
This was a wonderful message to remind us to appreciate what might seem ordinary but is really extraordinary when you know God’s in control of all. What He provides for us is amazing. Thank you.
Anna E. Rendell says
Thanks Linda!
Maura says
This post reminds me of one of my favorite songs Ordinary by Hannah Kerr. “Nothing is mundane Your glory is displayed in a million ways… You make my days extraordinary in the ordinary.”
Anna E. Rendell says
Ooh what great lyrics, Maura!
Penny says
Thankyou Anna for sharing such a beautiful post, and the reminder of how we are surrounded by God’s goodness, and His miraculous work.
Blessings to all,
Penny
Anna E. Rendell says
Thanks for being here Penny!
Lila says
goodness filled words….so lovely
Beth Williams says
Anna,
Life is hard & even stressful at times. It can be hard to see God’s goodness or have any hope. Like you said one must be on the look out for it. One way to do that is to thank God for the blessings you have. Cooking a meal, taking a nice warm shower, laying in bed? Give God thanks for the good, warm water, nice bed & home. Thanking God will change your perspective on life & make you feel better. This is so needed now during our pandemic. Being thankful for even little things. Thanks for writing a great & inspiring post.
Blessings 🙂
Anna E. Rendell says
Love this comment, Beth, thank you for the encouragement!
JENNIFER E HASSEL says
Thank you for your words, your thoughts and your heart. Beautifully written. I want to read your post again and then pass it on.
Anna E. Rendell says
Please do, Jennifer! And kindest thanks.