Finding Purpose in Everyday Life: Purpose in the Ordinary
It can be easy to look around and wonder if we should be doing something bigger.
We see other people’s accomplishments, announcements, trips, businesses, ministries, promotions, and highlight reels. Somewhere along the way, we can start comparing all of that with our very ordinary Tuesday and wonder if we are behind.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about what it looks like to live our purpose right where we are.
There is so much purpose in the work and responsibilities already in front of us.
I was reminded of a very old children’s book that a teacher read to me in elementary school and a professor brought up again when I was in college. Apparently this little book really wanted to make sure I learned the lesson.
It’s called Maxie by Mildred Kantrowitz, and it was published in 1970, so good luck tracking down a copy!
Maxie is an older woman whose days are filled with the same familiar routines. Eventually, she begins to wonder whether any of it really matters. One morning, she decides to stay in bed.
By the end of the day, her neighbors are coming to check on her.
What Maxie never realized was how much her ordinary routines had become part of theirs. One neighbor depended on the sound of her whistling tea kettle as part of the rhythm of her morning. Her small, everyday actions created ripples throughout the neighborhood, even though Maxie couldn't see them.
I think about that a lot.
We rarely get to see all the ways our ordinary lives ripple into other people’s lives.
Maybe purpose sometimes looks like doing the work that is already in front of us with care.
It can look like answering the email that helps someone move forward. Making dinner for your family. Checking on an employee who has had a hard week. Doing the paperwork correctly because someone else depends on it. Driving a child to practice. Keeping your word. Writing the note. Making the call. Showing up prepared. Remembering someone’s name.
You may never know what someone else’s version of Maxie’s tea kettle is.
Something you consider completely ordinary may be a source of consistency, encouragement, help, or care for someone else.
There is something beautiful about asking God, “How can I steward what You have already placed in front of me today?”
So this week, look for purpose in the everyday.
Do one ordinary thing with great love.
Choose something you normally move through quickly and give it your full attention. Notice whether anything changes when you approach it with care.
Notice who is in front of you.
Give someone your full attention. Put the phone away, turn off the TV, listen to what they are saying, and ask a follow-up question because you genuinely want to know more.
Encourage someone.
Send the text. Write the note. Make the call. Say the kind thing you were thinking anyway.
Find meaning in your work.
Whatever your work looks like today, ask yourself: Who benefits when I do this well?
Celebrate the evidence.
Think back over your life. Where have you seen God take something small and use it to create something meaningful?
You do not have to wait for a someday assignment to live with purpose.
There are people to love, work to steward, gifts to use, and good things to notice today.
And somewhere, someone may be listening for your tea kettle.
Growing Good
September is here! Let's finish 2026 strong!
1. September 25 is One-Hit Wonder Day!
I think this calls for a very scientific research project. 😂 Poll your friends, family, or coworkers and ask them to name their favorite one-hit wonder. Then make yourself a playlist and give them a listen. Music has such an incredible way of connecting us, bringing back memories, and telling us a little something about each other.
2. September 30 is International Podcast Day!
International Podcast Day, which gives you another excuse to discover something new. There are podcasts for just about every interest imaginable.
My favorite industry podcast is Multifamily GRIT. For personal development, I love The Alli Worthington Show, and The Bible Recap is a regular favorite too. Bonus: the New Testament begins October 1, so this would be a great time to jump in if you’ve been wanting to try it.
What podcasts are always in your rotation? Send me your favorites. I’m always looking for recommendations!
Rachel Recommends
Basil Seeds
If you are a woman of a certain age, there is a very good chance protein and fiber have taken over your news feed. 😂
One of my recent discoveries is basil seeds. They contain both fiber and protein, and I actually prefer their texture to chia seeds. I usually need chia seeds mixed into something, but I can add basil seeds to a glass of my favorite sparkling water and feel like I have my own little version of boba.
Easy, refreshing, and a fun way to add a little something extra to my day. Definitely worth trying!
A Fun Get-to-Know-You Game
We had our first Epsilon Sigma Alpha District Meeting this past weekend, and we played a fun game to introduce the new leadership team.
Each officer chose two songs: one that described us personally and another that represented what ESA and service mean to us.
I loved hearing everyone’s choices and, even more, hearing the stories behind them. This would be such an easy activity for a team meeting, retreat, small group, board meeting, or gathering with friends.
My two songs were “Try Everything” by Shakira and “Dream Small” by Josh Wilson.
“Try Everything” is probably pretty self-explanatory if you know me. I love learning new things, I’ll try almost anything once, and I’m always looking for ways to grow and get a little better. I may have absolutely no idea what I’m doing when I start, but that has rarely stopped me from trying.
“Dream Small” connects beautifully with what I’ve been thinking about this week.
I love its reminder of the impact found in everyday acts of service. Showing up, serving where you’re needed, encouraging someone, giving your time, and noticing the person in front of you can all become part of something meaningful.
That’s one of the things I love most about ESA. Our individual acts of philanthropy and service come together to make an incredible impact in our communities.
One of my biggest goals, both in ESA and in life, is to be a good steward of the gifts God has given me and use them to be a light wherever I am.
I can keep showing up. I can love people well. I can serve where I’m able. I can take care of the responsibilities God has placed in front of me.
And I think ESA is a pretty beautiful example of just how far those everyday acts can ripple.
A Little Something for You
If you’ve been wondering what your purpose looks like in this season, I created a simple one-page reflection to help you notice some of the purpose that may already be right in front of you.
The Ordinary Purpose Reflection: Notice the Purpose Already in Front of You
Use it to think through the people, responsibilities, gifts, and everyday opportunities God has already entrusted to you.
