The Wondering Sheep: Episode 5 – Living the Christian Life

Back to Normal!

January 8, 2026

Whew! We made it through the holiday season. Other than the charge cards still dizzy from overuse, and trying to figure out what Great Aunt Frieda’s gift actually is, we have emerged unscathed. Things are back to normal. Our lives are back to the humdrum of our daily lives.  

So, what is normal for you? Up at 7, to work by 8, work till 4, home for a supper with the family? Sounds boring, doesn't it? Or is your “normal” more like this: the alarm rings at 5, take the dog for a walk, shower and get ready for work, work 7-3, pick up the kids from school, grab Taco Bell for supper, help with homework, say hello to the spouse, and hit the hay. Is that more like it? How about one more “normal:” trumpet sounds at 5, gather on the parade ground for 30 minutes of PT, shower and breakfast. Follow with a 10-mile run with a 50 lb. Pack, and then lunch, and so on. What do you think? What is your normal?  

What was missing from each of those examples? What are we to do often? Who should we be thanking throughout the day? Most of us spend part of Sunday in church. We may have a variety of reasons for that: habit, it helps us feel good, our friends are there, we like the music, or we want to praise and thank you God. If you come to church on Sundays, that’s great! I pray you get a lot out of that time in your Savior’s presence. Consider this, however: as Christians, we are called to be with our God MORE than an hour a week. What does that mean and how could that be part of our normal day?  

The Psalms and the Gospels talk often of spending time in prayer. We are to give praise and thanks to God! That doesn’t necessarily mean taking 15 minutes 3 or 4 times out of each day. That wouldn’t hurt, but he doesn’t give us that specific command. Remember what prayer is? It is simply talking with our heavenly Father. If you were walking next to your own father for the entire day, you would naturally say a lot of things to him during the day, wouldn’t you? What about your conversation with Jesus? Is that any different? What would you talk about? “HELP ME!” “Guide me.” “Give me the right words.” “What do you think I should do?” “Give me wisdom!” “Forgive me for that sin.” Don’t forget the praise part! “Thank you, Lord!” “That was a great meeting - thank you!” You get the idea, right? Let’s ask it again: is God part of your daily life––your normal day?  

How about praying for others? “Help my friend get through this Lord.” “Help my friend really do well on her date.” “Help my dad impress the boss.” “Let mom know I love her.” When you start thinking about it, praying for others could fill a lot of time!  Consider the frequency too. 

Do I pray as often as I should? Of course not. I’m human, just like you are. Do I try to make God part of my daily life? Yes. Do my days go better when I do? Good question. Yes and no, but I know that God is with me no matter what happens in my day, whether I think it’s a good day or a bad day.   

Like I said earlier: we are back to normal again. What is your normal day? What would happen to the day if you remember to thank God for his blessing in your life? Take time to ask God to help you in hard things and to help your friends and relatives have great days. Ask God’s forgiveness for your transgressions throughout the course of the day. You know, when I remember that Jesus walks with me all the time, it is easier to talk with him. I can ask his help. I can say, “Thanks!” Even if my day looks “normal” it never will be as he is with me. How could I forget something that special? 🙏