Make Every Day Special

Hey friends! I am so excited for this post, since this is a topic I find fun and fascinating. I know that this time of year especially (anyone else enduring gray skies and cold temps?), but really at any point in time, it’s easy to get bogged down in the everyday cycle. Whether it’s work or school or homemaking chores—sometimes we just lose the sparkle in life!

Of course, there will be seasons where you simply survive (I’ve been through one of those recently with almost nonstop sickness), but I also believe that there is more to life overall than just getting through. Life is difficult but it can also be so beautiful. Over the past few years, I’ve learned about living with intention, not just going through the motions but living to the full, taking the time to enjoy the hundreds of blessings the Lord daily loads on me.

One of these days I’ll write a post with a Biblical take on life and the mundane, but today’s post is just going to be a fun, random collection of ideas to make your ordinary life special and enjoyable! Not all of these ideas may be useable for you in your season of life—or the season of the year—but hopefully they’ll give you some inspiration to think of your own ways to refresh and enjoy even the small blessings!

Open Your Eyes and See…

Take a Walk (or Run). If you live in the chilly north like I do, you might need to bundle up this time of year, but it’s worth it to just get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Maybe you’ll even get sunshine on your face (I’m so jealous of you southern-dwellers right now!) And there’s nothing like enjoying the blue sky and bright colors on a brisk summer walk.

Grow Your Own Flowers. I grow zinnias in window boxes each summer, and they are super easy to grow! This year I’m thinking about doing my own little herb garden in pots for the summer. Take time to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation around you! Enjoy the colors and the intricate design in the flowers. Pause and listen to the birds singing. God gives us richly all things to enjoy!

Have a campfire. End the day with a leisurely campfire. Better yet, invite friends over and have a marshmallow toast!

Watch the Sunrise (or Sunset). I’ve seen a couple beautiful sunrises lately as I drove to work. And what better way to close your evening than to enjoy a sunset?

Have Your Devotions Outside. I love doing this in the summer. To make it even better, mix up a cup of your favorite summer drink—whether it’s lemonade or iced coffee or a smoothie.

Grow Green Plants in Your Home. Especially in the winter, succulents and other hearty green plants bring color to a dreary time of the year. In the summer, fill your home with vases of fresh flowers that are in season, maybe even some you’ve grown yourself.

Go Apple-Picking or Visit a Pumpkin Patch. What better way to celebrate the fall season? In the summer, how about blueberry or strawberry picking.

Go For a Nature Hike. Find some local trails nearby and give them a try. It’s a great family activity!

Relationships Are #1

Send a Friend a “Hello Text.” Share a special Scripture verse, a nature picture, or just ask how their day is going. Remind them you’re praying for them!

Meet a Friend or Family Member for Breakfast or Lunch. Make an intentional time away from distractions to really communicate. You both will be refreshed!

Show Hospitality. Have a friend over for a homemade lunch. Invite a family from church for dinner or even just dessert. Throw a party—it doesn’t even have to be for a birthday. Have another mom with young kids for a play date. Host a summertime ladies’ tea or a Christmas caroling party, or invite friends for a Christmas cookie exchange. It can be impromptu and informal—sometimes that is the most fun!

Find an Excuse for a Special Occasion. I love in The Hiding Place where Corrie talks about her mother making a special occasion out of anything. Make a nice meal for your parents on their anniversary—pull out the fancy candles and an elegant tablecloth. I remember my mom having “picnics” with us kids in the front yard—just eating our regular lunch on a blanket outside, but it felt so special! Make Friday night family game-or-movie night. Have a read-aloud time with snacks. Just some ideas!

Make Homemade Bread or Cookies to Share with Neighbors. Elderly neighbors will especially love having the chance to talk to someone who’s thought about them! If you’re already making something for your family then this is even easier.

Bring Some Sparkle to the Ordinary

Get a Good Book and a Cozy Blanket. I don’t have as much time to read as I used to, but I still love snatching a few chunks of time here and there to read. I like to have two or three different books going at a time, but if that feels like too much, then find one that interests you. Make your reading time a special time by finding a comfortable spot and grabbing a cozy blanket—even if you just sit down for five minutes.

Light a Candle. A scented candle makes the dinner table more inviting! And it helps make any room cozier.

Put a Pretty Wallpaper On Your Laptop/Phone. You’ve got to have them and use them—may as well make ’em special! I enjoy the lovely wallpapers from SetApartGirl. I’ve also designed some free KJV/inspirational quote wallpapers that are available right here. Or use a personal photo of loved ones.

Listen to Music (or a Podcast). While you’re driving, washing dishes, cooking, resting, exercising… fill your mind and home with lovely, Godly music. Apps like Spotify or Pandora make this easy! You could also listen to an audiobook or the Bible on audio. I’ve found music is very helpful when I’m studying. Since that’s something I have to do frequently, I decided I may as well enjoy it—so I’ll set up a little “study station” with a candle and turn on some soft classical or instrumental hymn music.

Twinkle Lights. These add a special touch to any room, summer or winter.

Chocolate. Yes, really. Or whatever treat it is that you enjoy!

Choose Functional and Pretty. If it’s something you use all the time, why not make it fun? I can’t remember where I heard this tip, but it’s stuck with me. If you have to replace something functional, replace it to be both functional and pretty. Often times, the cost is the same. For example, get a cute water bottle—and make staying hydrated more enjoyable. Or if you have to replace a set of mixing bowls, get some that make you want to bake. Functional can be aesthetically pleasing too!

Hopefully some of these ideas will help make your life a little more special! It’s my goal that this gave you some inspiration and you’re already thinking of new ways to enjoy your ordinary, everyday life. As always, feel free to add any thoughts of your own in the comments below—I’d love to hear your tips.