Simple Living... is it possible in today's world?
It seems like everywhere I turn these days, people are talking about simple living, reducing possessions, focusing on "what's important." I, too, must admit that this is something that's weighed on my mind lately. I waver between my seeking simplicity and weighing my Type-A tendencies. What is valid and what needs to go?
Before I begin this journey, I think it would be helpful to examine where I've been. Our family is very blessed. Although we've had our share of dead end jobs, crazy moves, and the occasional bad emotional investments, we've sought frugality and learned new ways to penny pinch. We've kept an eye on our finances and, for the most part, made wise decisions.
The area of our lives that is not so simple is our time. Now I'm not talking about an expanse of time, but rather a structuring of time. Many of the things that we believe in are going to require more time than we're ever likely to have. Serving on the church staff will always require our attention 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Being a mom will always require our attention 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Being a wife, a daughter, a friend will always require our attention 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. But what does all of that really mean?
This is hitting me more and more lately as I want health for my children. Actually I want a lot for my children. I want them to have a great education. I want them to be socially well-adjusted. I want them to know Christ as their softest place to fall. I want them to have every opportunity to pursue every challenge that intrigues them. But if I don't find balance and help them understand balance, what will they have learned?
So join me in this journey toward "Simplicity." Perhaps somewhere along the way we'll begin to understand what it actually is and how to make it a part of our lives. If it's even possible to make it a part of our lives. Where do we begin? What are we reaching to achieve?
To read how others are pursuing simplicity, be sure to read some of the posts at Keeper of the Home.
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2 comments:
This is a beautiful post. It's hard to see the list of where we are needed 24/7. But listing out what's important is the best way to see what matters most. I want to guard my time too, thanks for the reminder and the challenge.
I appreciate that it's your desire to do the things that are most important (i.e serving Christ, loving your family), that drives you towards simplicity. Thanks for sharing!
Stephanie
Keeper of the Home
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