If you’re familiar with Job, you know he was a faithful man who refused to curse God and die, as his wife asked him to do. (See Job 2:9). He suffered greatly through many things, and though he asked questions of God, he did not once have concerns or doubts about God’s handling of him. Technically.

Sometimes we find ourselves in places we did not choose, seasons we did not expect, or circumstances we would not have written for ourselves. Yet even there, God can provide, protect, teach, and preserve.

We may look at what others are experiencing and think, “I want that too”, “Must be nice”, or “I’ll gladly trade places.” We may wish our lives looked more exciting, more peaceful, more successful, more beautiful, more connected, or more meaningful. But the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

But do not let fear, criticism, or mislabeling keep you from obeying God, developing your skills, or sharing what He has placed in you.

There are thoughts we naturally think when we are tired, grieving, confused, disappointed, or trying to make sense of what we are walking through. Some of those thoughts may contain part of the truth. They may describe how the moment feels. They may help us name what is happening

There is something about that kind of morning that feels like an invitation.

An invitation to slow down, notice, and remember that God has filled the ordinary places of our lives with beauty, if we are willing to look.