Choosing Curiosity Over Coping

We all have different ways of coping with life.

I'm not talking about the big things, but the daily mundane. Most of life sits comfortably (or uncomfortably) there. Some have an evening drink (or four). Some run ten miles a day, some get their nails done religiously. Some shop, some eat, some fight for control in traffic and customer service situations. Some disappear into movies, slutty rom-com fiction, or porn. Some just check out. And some follow the crowd into the rat race. And then there are the righteous who always say no but fall to the easiest thing to hide: pride.

These are all outward things. But what I continually find the most helpful in coping with the mundane is discipline in my thought life: my attitude toward other people, toward myself, and especially toward my Creator. And not just a white knuckle discipline, but an honest, humble, steadfast, and curious one.

I talk to God. I take intrusive and unhelpful musings captive and remind myself of truth. I sit quietly with Scripture and ponder stories I've read a hundred times. I remember that my resources of time, energy, and unique gifts, are not for me but to have something with which to serve the Lord and the people around me.

When my attitude is right, I feel like a scientist mixing and stirring, stepping back and observing. I didn't create the elements on my particular lab table, but I am enjoying combining them and seeing how I can make my environment and community better.

When we truly know and follow Jesus, our living and active Hope, we have the freedom to feel joy and curiosity in the mundane, rather than merely cope.

My favorite phrase to encourage myself is, “Just treat this like a science experiment and see what happens.”

I hope this perspective was encouraging today. Share in the comments below any tips or tricks you have for making the most of the mundane!