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Returning from our month long vacation visiting family on the west coast, I found myself swimming in piles of suitcases and laundry as high as could be, stacks of unopened mail, items to return/exchange at numerous stores, and one very dusty/neglected living space.
I started thinking about all of the belongings we toted around with us on our vacation.
The suitcases stuffed full, like SO full I was sitting on them to zip them up and then upon checking in at the airport having to take out 3lbs of belongings or pay for overweight baggage.
(Which I have done before. Don't even ask how I one time packed an 80lb suitcase. ahhhh)
All of this made me realize once again, the value of
*simplicity*
not just in the sense of minimizing belongings, but in the full sense of life. Simplicity in all things. Since this little (re) realization I have had, I have been on a pursuit. A pursuit to simplify my life in all aspects. I have been waking up each morning with a prayer in my heart, asking that I will be able to focus on what matter most, and spend my time wisely. The wide-ranging media sources, electronic gadgets, blogs, gatherings, sporting events, etc. can become such diversions and end up creating more upkeep, more stress and less simplicity. Although this is soooooooooooooo much easier said than done, I am finding it becomes easier each day. I found this talk by one of my very favorite church leaders, 'Of Things That Matter Most' . I find myself referring back to it frequently. It gave me a whole new look on the term simplicity. It makes me smile to know that the Lord's message for us is so simple. The simple example and path of Christian discipleship is so beautiful. We make things so much more complicated than need be. Making the perfect meal, attending every event, posting the 'perfect' photo to social media, etc. Yearning for answers and complicating things,
"There is beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions"- I am still full force on my pursuit of simplicity. Whether it be making one less commitment, or minimizing my options of what to wear (I know, I know, sounds ridiculous, but it starts with the simplest of things.) I am going to conquer it! Simplicity is the goal!
The photo above is me at one of my favorite places,
Crystal Cove, somewhere I feel the true power of simplicity.
ps- I would sooooo love to hear about your ways/tips on how you strive to simplify life. I could use them :)
Hey! Just visiting your blog for the first time :) I've been thinking about this very thing lately. For the past two weeks, I have made a liist of 4-5 must do's for the day. Anything else can wait because my kids need my attention. I always make sure one of those things is for someone else. I feel so much more accomplished after doing this.
ReplyDeleteKarim, I love to hear that. That is such a good idea, exactly what I needed to read. I am going to try it. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteFirst off I have loved connecting with you through social media and I love this pic of you. I know how you feel. I feel like I'm always trying to do the next best thing. There are so many distractions in the world. I want my life to be more simple too and I love that talk you mention. Sometimes I get so overwhelmed with electronics that it's overwhelming and I loose track of what's really important. Thanks so much for sharing this. It helps remind me that simple isn't a bad thing but in reality a very good thing.
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