Miles Away From Ordinary

Do you realize that it really is okay to be ordinary? Are you aware, like I am, that we all have limitations? I personally believe people will only be successful once they have come to terms with this unvarnished truth. I admit, it’s sometimes hard for me to come to grips with this truth and still remember that God views me as a priceless treasure. Psalm 17:8 tells me I’m the apple of His eye and that I’m miles away from being ordinary to Him.

Years ago while watching Superman, I became fascinated by the superhero’s desire to be ordinary. In his earthly human identity, he was simply Clark Kent, reporter for the Daily Planet Newspaper. That all changed of course, whenever a runaway locomotive threatened the lives of innocent people. Then Clark Kent became the Superman.

In a flash, Clark’s supernatural, extrasensory abilities kicked in. He was instinctively aware of the impending accident involving a runaway locomotive. Clark knew what he must do to stop the train from crashing to its destruction. But first, he had to dash into the nearest phone booth to change into his Superman outfit in order to keep his superhero identity a secret. Then he rushed off to perform his heroic duty and “save the day.” Like a jet-propelled bird, Superman flew to his destination and jumped in front of the locomotive. With his incredible, unlimited powers, he stopped the locomotive cold in its tracks! The people always clapped and cheered because their lives were spared.

With his task completed, Superman returned to the office of the Daily Planet as if nothing unusual had happened. His fellow co-workers always teased him, “Where were you during all the excitement? We were working on a headline-making story!” Clark usually made an excuse and sheepishly smiled, while maintaining his persona as an average, ordinary reporter who was a little clueless and naïve.

I am fascinated by Superman’s ability to just step back into his ordinary role as Clark Kent. He never seemed to feel the need to declare to everyone what he had just done. He would save hundreds of lives and exhibit incredible power that was nothing short of miraculous; yet when faced with the opportunity to show everyone he was somebody, Clark Kent chose to remain an obscure nobody.

If I’m perfectly honest with myself, I have to admit that I’d want to tell everyone what I had just done. Wouldn’t you? Be honest now! I’d probably have called everyone I know to brag about my great exploits. I would bask in the praise and accolades of my friends and relatives; and enjoy the great level of respect newly shown to me by the press.

Observing Superman’s display of humility, I whispered to the Lord, “How can he go about business as usual without telling everyone what he’s just done?” Deep inside, I heard my answer, “Once you truly know who you are, you won’t feel the need for anyone else to know.” I don’t know about you, but I want to know who I am in Christ. I want to know that simply belonging to Him is more than enough. I want to find my completeness, my worth and my value in Him. I want to be who He has made me to be—no more and no less. And I want to know that it’s okay to be ordinary; it’s okay to have limitations.

In reality, there are no supermen or superwomen. The sooner we accept that we’re ordinary, limited human beings with a bent towards sin, the happier we will become. The fact of the matter is, we are all ordinary until Jesus does something extraordinary in us. Regardless of IQ or human strength, we all need a Savior. The truth is, I am a loved and cherished child of God, seeking for His excellent life to reside in my ordinary life.

*Article originally appeared in Studio G Magazine