Five years ago this month, in the midst of a pandemic summer, my wife and I passed a milestone. One that wouldn’t have even been an inchstone before 2020. Is there such a thing as an “inchstone”? Well, no, and that’s my point. Because you don’t celebrate the ordinary until you’ve lost it and finally gotten back to something almost-ordinary.
And what, you ask, was this inchstone of almost-ordinariness? “Going to the movies.” Not streaming a movie while cocooning in our den. But actually walking into a movie theater. Buying tickets. And then sliding into cushy pull-down seats with overpriced sodas and popcorn in-hand.
It was something we’d done countless times, and especially enjoyed on sweltery summer days like these. Yes, we loved “movie-going,” but we didn’t celebrate it. Because it was, well, ordinary.
But then the world changed.
True, our little inchstone was only almost-ordinary:
- The movie was a “small” one we’d normally have watched online
- It was playing at one of the few theaters that had re-opened
- The ticket-seller wore gloves behind a virus-proof barrier
- Two out of three rows were roped-off
- And we wore masks when we weren’t in our seats
Still, it was enough to remind us of something we foolish humans forget over and over again: Our lives, even in the most mundane moments, are a miraculous gift, and there’s…
Nothing ordinary about them.
Great point, well made. It’s only when we almost lose something that we see the extraordinary nature of it. Like life. Or a flower. Or rain. Lovely post, Mitch. But you can’t leave us hanging! What was the movie?!
I honestly don’t recall, David. 🤦♂️
Excellent point. Always worth remembering. And if you can take joy and appreciation from the small and the ordinary, that’s the secret to happiness. (Yesterday, while out for a lunchtime walk around the park, I stumbled on bands practising for the World Pipe Band Championships due to take place this Friday and Saturday, and it made me very happy indeed, although to be fair to the pipers and the drummers, they’re more extraordinary than ordinary!)
A big-little moment worth savoring, Emma.
Well said.
Thank you, Andrew.
Amen
Don’t wait for the storm to pass to revel in blessings no matter their size.
Amen, Sashi.
Well said, a miraculous gift life is.
Thanks, L.G.
Indeed, we don’t realize what means something to us, since wir are so used to it and take it for granted, until is not there anmymore.
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Such a good point, Mitch. May we be thankful and not take these mundane moments for granted.
I should rather say ordinary not mundane
A miraculous gift indeed. Going to the movie theater and a restaurant after the pandemic was exciting after the lockdown.
I remember seeing those masks with the hole for the straws, they were incredibly funny.
Yep, humor is coping at its finest.
Indeed.
ladybug
Well said, Mitch! 👏
Thank you, T! (Or do you prefer to be called Tina?)
My pleasure Mitch. Thank you for asking I prefer T.
FYI.. new followers are asking what’s my name so, I decided to add it to my posts. Again, thank you for asking and also supporting my blogs.
Have a great weekend. 🙂
You too, T!
Very true, Mitch. Often it’s those small moments that give us the greatest joy. 💖
Great post. Nice share.
Thanks, Fitz.
The pandemic made me appreciate things in my life that I had taken for granted – like my very life. I almost died from Covid. Spent almost 4 months in the hospital and many more recovering. At one point my doctors including my mom and 2 sisters have practically given up on me. But the Lord miraculously gave me back my life. He also gave me a wife (Nina) who trusted Him even when all hope seemed lost. (Leo)
Such a wonderful testimony, Leo!
Gotta love the overpriced soda & popcorn catch! Go full out. 🙂
Exactly! ;>)
❤️💙
So true, Mitch! I have yet to go back to a real movie theater. I miss the cushy pull down seats, the expensive popcorn, and the cool dark cave of the theater. You’ve given me courage to try again!
🧡