I love language and discovering the origins of peculiar words and phrases. Thinking about words reminds me of several things, such as Reader’s Digest quizzes, or the maddening, multiple-choice vocabulary questions on standardized tests. I asked myself which are my favorite words, and among the ones that came to mind were “hitherto” (which makes the speaker sound like someone on Masterpiece Theatre) and “pusillanimous” (which is delightful to stumble across in literature, but almost impossible to work into a conversation unless you’re Spiro Agnew.)
One word that always makes me smile is quotidian. According to the venerable Oxford English Dictionary, its first recorded usage dates back to 1340. It’s a Latin word meaning “things occurring on a daily basis” (quotus: things which occur; dies: day). It’s commonly used in medical language, referring to symptoms that occur on a regular basis. Despite its exotic appearance, it’s the basis for the French word daily, as in a “quotidien newspaper.”
I had, perhaps wrongly, assumed that quotidian was synonymous with the word mundane, since things that happen day after day are likely to be less interesting details of our life story. But the aspects of our faith that our quotidian are actually some of the most crucial parts of what we believe; so I fear I have been mis-characterizing this word all these years.
Reflect for a moment on the quotidian elements of your faith. It’s not uncommon to hear someone say, “Thank you, God, for waking me up this morning.” Remembering the daily gift of life is a key part of faith. Saying grace over a meal may seem like a mundane daily ritual, yet it serves as a time to remember that we have blessings of food that so many others lack (and hopefully to pray that God and others will provide for them). Later this month, we’ll celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving, which comes around each year with (what feels like) quotidian frequency. It’s also an opportunity to recall how God’s providential care is showered upon us daily.
November also is our month to emphasis Christian stewardship. In practical terms, this is more of a weekly, monthly, or annual event; but in regards to faith, it’s definitely a quotidian part of our life. Almost every day, we handle money and incur obligations that’re reflected in monetary amounts (e.g., rent, bills, etc.). What do your daily finances look like, and where is the presence of God reflected both in the money you earn and the money you spend? There are things on which we spend money that are purely for momentary pleasure, and things that are for our long-term health and security. The time and treasure we devote to God should not be calculated solely at the end of the day from whatever resources are leftover. Quotidian stewardship starts each day with God and consciously sets apart our “first fruits” and best resources for the Lord. The amount is secondary; the spirit of gratitude and generosity are what’s most important.
Think of your own favorite words and reflect on them in light of your ongoing faith in God revealed in Jesus Christ. Who knows, maybe this can be a daily, quotidian part of your Christian identity during this month’s Stewardship season!