The Magic of Ordinary Days

The Magic of Ordinary Days is a lovely story set in the 1940s. We see the reaches of wartime even in a farming community in Colorado. The story's main character is Livy, who is pregnant out of wedlock and abandoned by the father. A kind, Christian farmer, Ray, marries her so she and the baby will be supported. She moves from the city to the country where her nearest neighbor is miles away.

At its simplest, it's a fish-out-of-water story. Livy has to adapt to a new situation while still struggling with the mistakes of her past. She's initially resistant to new environment and doesn't care much for her new husband, despite his best efforts. What changes her perspective? Instead of being driven to insanity by the new slow, quiet lifestyle, she is instead comforted by the magic of the ordinary days. She needed simple and calm in her life to heal and become a better person.

We can see this reflected in scripture:

"Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, just as we directed you." (1 Thessalonians 4:11 TLV)

The Apostle Paul here is teaching on brotherly love and community peace. Instead of striving for hustle and commotion, settle down with the simple things of life. A quiet life with the family unit at the forefront, with a respect for the community of which one is in. We see in the movie how working with their hands brings joy the characters, through farming, scavenging, and logging butterflies. It's through these simple concerns that Livy can move on from her mistakes. The quiet life sets up the perfect atmosphere for Livy and Ray to truly fall in love and live happy lives.