There was also a prophet, Anna …Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:36,38 (NIV)

Since my early twenties, I’ve longed to do something great for God, such as leading a Bible study, publishing an inspirational book, or being a foreign missionary. Because my parents were missionaries in Nigeria for thirty years, I grew up surrounded by people who devoted their lives to serving God. I thought I would too.

As a little girl, I loved our cozy village station, nestled in a semi-circle of hills studded with rocky outcroppings and Savannah brush. However, beginning in first grade, I flew to a boarding school 390 miles away, returning home only for Christmas and summer vacations. During that time, I suffered intense homesickness and cried quietly under the covers at night. After many years of that great trial, I learned to trust in Jesus. But I always felt I was just plain and ordinary and needed to perform well in school and dorm life to gain the respect of my teachers and classmates.

After college, I thought I would apply with the mission board to serve in Africa. I would make a good missionary because of my past experience overseas, I thought. Then I fell in love with an awesome guy from our church and accepted that Chris wasn’t called to be a missionary, pastor, or church leader.

For two decades I happily raised our kids, knowing that was a holy calling. Every so often though, I gazed wistfully out the kitchen window. While I washed dishes, I watched my kids ride their bikes around our patio and dreamed of doing something more.

Living in Obscurity

Many times I wondered, How do other women manage to work full time, lead a church ministry, or write best-selling books while caring for a family? I felt frustrated that I couldn’t use all the talents God gave me because homemaking consumed my time and energy. Would I ever do anything outside of the ordinary?

One Christmas, when I read this section in Luke’s gospel about Mary and Joseph presenting baby Jesus in the temple (Luke 22:25-38), my heartbeat quickened. When Anna, a prophetess who lived at the temple, heard of the Messiah’s birth, she immediately worshiped God. Then she hurried to tell “all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

I recognized myself in that group. No, not as Anna, the prophetess, but in the band of those who awaited their Savior’s birth.

Countless men and women who visited the temple believed the Messiah would be coming, and like Anna, were watching for the arrival of their Redeemer. Anna cultivated friendships with these devoted Jews, chatting often with them about their faith, hopes, and dreams.

I’m one of those unnamed people, quietly living my life in obscurity, I thought. None of them were famous or had a prestigious profession. They worked in commonplace jobs that provided for their families and kept the city functioning. All were ordinary men and women, looking for God to do extraordinary work in the world. With great joy, the prophetess described the Messiah’s arrival to each one. And I can imagine how the town buzzed with the news.

My Extraordinary, Ordinary Life

This year has been a tumultuous one for us. At the end of 2020, we’re sheltering in place yet again, unable to meet with our extended family for the holidays. But we can still phone, text, and connect on social media. Just don’t get caught up in politics!

When we make the effort to meet with others, we strengthen our circle of support, even if it’s just virtual at the present time. I’ve found that reaching out to offer encouragement to others is also uplifting for me.

Our youngest child, Robby, graduated from college this month. In obscurity, without a ceremony, celebrated merely with a grand Facebook post by his mom. Yet, I trust God will take care of him, lead him to a fulfilling job, and bring good friendships into his life. He may never be well-known, outside of his sphere of influence, but he’ll be influential within his sphere.

The Bible tells countless stories of people whose names are familiar. You may even identify with one of them because you’re named after him or her. But if you haven’t ever seen yourself in the Bible, here you are: one of the “all” who are included in a devoted band of believers throughout the ages.

Yet we are not unnoticed or unnamed. We each have an exciting, extraordinary role in this world.

For most of us, it is to live our best, ordinary life.

Father, thank you that you have a plan for my life even though I may not see it now. Help me to patiently love others in my sphere of influence as I expectantly watch my future unfold. Amen.

One Simple Step

This week, calendar to meet with one other person for encouragement, support, and inspiration. Even just a video chat will lift their spirits and yours, too.

If you’d like to read more about why I lived in a boarding school in Nigeria, click on my About Page here.