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Lenten Observations, Feb. 25, 2026 - Dailiness

 Just so you know, some of these writings are from my journal over the last two months as I work through Ephesians. That's why they move slowly. I am still reflecting on Ephesians 1:3-14. 

The intimacy with God that the apostles' writing and that Jesus' words in the gospels assert is . . . I don't know the word. Mystical, mysterious, yet at the same time presented as "quotidian" reality. I like that word, but we can substitute "daily" for it. The intimacy which is so intense and blessed and awe-inspiring is not a "big event, come to a revival and get slain in the Holy Spirit every few years" type of thing. "I am in Christ and Christ is in me today and it is my job to turn daily to that reality and its benefits and practicalities. For me, the first benefit is the access to fruit of the Holy Spirit and the basic practicalities is my need for patience--not just tolerance or resignation--but true patience that God is working in the mundane and dailiness, even in my dog and husband.

I read two good articles on "dailiness" recently (at the time of this original journaling). Dailiness seems like a curse (boredom, sameness), but it is truly a blessing and the foundation of our lives. Every day we get to sleep (what a gift!). Each day God's mercies are new. Each day we can take a walk in some natural setting, unless we are very infirm or imprisoned. Each day we can minister encouragement in the Holy Spirit to someone. 

What else? Form your own list. Each day we can choose to resist temptation! I have gone more than six weeks without desserts, greatly reducing my sugar intake (although not completely; I'm not going to pretend that). But no ice cream, cookies, cakes, pies, candy, chocolate. There is a benefit even if it is not immediately felt. 

However, there are more serious temptations to turn from: despair. . . apathy . . . self-absorption . . . anger . . . pride . . . idolatry to politics and power . . . worry about money

We cannot live ten years out. We are only promised today, for which I am thankful.  

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