Why be regular when you can be extraordinary?

I saw this statement in a magazine last week and it got me thinking. It may have been in the context of an interview with Oprah, if I recall correctly.  I’m always drawn to ideas that challenge me to dream bigger, live life larger and to go beyond the ordinary. But what got me thinking is, “What does that really mean, to be extraordinary? What does that look like for my life?  What does that look like for anyone?”

Whenever I’m trying to wrestle big ideas to the ground, I have to start with right now. So, I began to think, “What does it look like for me today to be extraordinary?  To live an extraordinary life?”

This is what I came up with (spoiler: its pretty basic):

An extraordinary life is most likely lived out fully immersed in God’s story. There is no greater epic narrative than that of God bringing everything and everyone into his Loving Embrace.  I have a part in that, a missional impulse within me, that is key to this epic Biblical narrative. Today I will have opportunities to engage that.

Secondly, an extraordinary life is found in living out my unique, God given identity and purpose. Everyone’s part in the Bibilical narrative will look different depending on who God has made that person to be. Tapping into the essence of who I am every day and living that out wholeheartedly is an important (and not easy) part of living an extraordinary life.

We may believe that living an extraordinary life means being the best and brightest, making the most money, achieving the most fame and recognition.  I would say that chasing such goals is living a pretty regular life.

But to be extraordinary is to wholeheartedly and authentically live out my unique design and purpose on this earth in a way that makes the world a better place for others.  This is what we are each called to.  It’s an exciting invitation into the most timeless and significant narrative of all times.