S I M P L I F Y
What a perfect prompt word for this week. Isn’t that what we all want? A life that is simple and enjoyable. Absence of stress. Surrounded by loved ones and the favour of God.
As I write, I’m enjoying a cool breeze after a sweltering week. With my back resting on the stacking doors, wet dogs beside me, and kids swimming in the pool, it’s perfect. P E R F E C T.
Splashing and childlike giggles… I love these guys.
No longer children, but not quite adults. I smile as I watch them compete to see who can hold their breath the longest underwater. So far, David is winning. So cute!
Have I told you today how much I love my life? Even on the difficult days, I love being the mom in this family. I love being his wife. I love living here. I love this little oasis of mine.
But I’ve also been dreading 2018.
Simple life. What does that even mean?
Technically, I should be working right now. I have clients calling, deadlines pressing, people needing me… there is clutter to organise, school supplies to purchase, and spring cleaning to complete.
My ToDo list is screaming at me!
But there’s another Voice whose whisper is louder than the cry for busyness… S I M P L I F Y
What does that mean?
The dictionary defines SIMPLIFY as
- To make something simpler, easier to do, or easier to understand
- To uncomplicate something (in form, nature, or design)
- To streamline
- To reduce to essentials
Today, it means that I stop my ToDo list long enough to clean the pool and watch my kids play.
It means that I reconsider my self-expectations of what I should and shouldn’t do this year.
It means that I take a deep breath, and discern between The Urgent and The Necessary.
How about you?
My friends, we CAN do anything and everything… but should we? Should we be busy just because we can?
It’s time to stop, and ask…
Father, what do you want to say to me about SIMPLICITY?
Here are 10 Bible Verses to Help You SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE
“He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me” (Psalm 18:19).
“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).
“The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (Isaiah 58:11 NIV).
“Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint” (Proverbs 23:4).
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matthew 6:25-27)
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11-13).
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
As 2018 starts to pick up speed, can you hear Father speaking to you?
I believe in you,
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Yes, I know it’s taking a long time to complete the 31 Day Challenge—UNFORCED RHYTHMS OF GRACE—how to live an amazing life without burning out or losing my joy.
It’s still a timely theme in my fast-paced life called motherhood. Thank you for joining me on this journey!
Unfortunately, I didn’t even look at the timer today. I just sat outside and enjoyed writing. Thanks for understanding. 🙂
Today’s prompt word was SIMPLIFY and we are linking up with the writers over at Five Minute Friday.
To read more 31 DAYS OF UNFORCED RHYTHMS, click here!
