I am going to copy Sylvia and title my thoughts on simplicity the same way she did: Simplify! Please read her poignant thoughts on why simplicity is something to desire and work toward achieving. I love her definition of true simplicity: a right relationship with God that fills us so deeply that we don’t yearn for unnecessary materialism to fill our empty spaces.
I am among the folks who need the encouragement to simplify, because no matter if I want to or not, it is not in my nature. I do feel more peaceful and more settled when the space around me is clear, but I have to work hard to fight my desire to accumulate both things and messes. A case in point are the things I bring home from thrift stores. They are great deals, don’t get me wrong, but I must learn to say no to even those deals which clutter my life rather than fill a true household need.
To me, simplicity doesn’t mean a barren or uncomfortable existence. It means a peaceful existence. I know there are certain tools and gifts that the Lord has given me to help me do my job as wife, homemaker, cook and educator in a more peaceful, productive way. For example, I recently acquired access to high-speed Internet. This could be seen as a luxury, and indeed would be completely unnecessary if we couldn’t afford it. However, my access to it, sitting right here in my living room, keeps me informed, thoughtful, growing, and learning. This is much superior to having to go to the library or be constantly on the go. The hassle of being out of the house does not/did not simplify my life. Having good Internet access right here does.
What I want to point out by the previous example is that while living simply often includes shying away from acquiring material possessions and culling the possessions own already owns, it does not follow that a simple life is only about not owning things. In other words, one does not need to martyr oneself to hardship. One should feel the freedom, as gifted by God, to own or use certain tools that help with one’s work.
Jeff and I have not had a bed for many years and are now saving up for one. We desire to get better sleep. Another purchase we are making is a treadmill. With Jeff’s new job and increased responsibility and work hours, we will still be able to exercise and not have to be outside in the pitch dark or inclement weather anymore. A bed and a treadmill. These are things. We are buying them. Does this mean we are striving for a simple life? No.
On the other hand, we have a house-full of stuff, many things that we don’t use or need. These are things that get in the way of simplicity because they don’t help us. They take work to maintain and I personally feel a lack of mental clarity when my space is cluttered. These things are hindering simplicity because they sap time and energy that could be better spent resting in the Lord or with my family engaging in meaningful, enriching tasks and activities.
How do you actively pursue simplicity? What does “Simplify!” mean to you?
Thank you for those thoughts, Wardeh.
My goal is to get rid of things I don’t use, need or love to look at. I like how my house feels as I clean it out and make more room to live!
Love
Sylvia
When we let go of things we don’t use, and pass them on to someone else, think of the gift you are giving them. I also believe that the Lord wants each of us to live in comfort, whatever that may be for each individual. Money or “things” are not bad, it is the love of money or things that gets us into trouble. There are many ways we can help and be of service to others when our financial needs are well taken care of. I also believe that you can have great wealth AND live a simple life.
I enjoy going through my home and de-cluttering, it does bring peace into my life.
I also believe that faith is so much more powerful than we even realize. Wardeh, you and your husband desire good things (bed, treadmill) that the Lord would feel joy in giving you. May I suggest that you allow your mind, your heart and your soul to feel the joy and gratitude with which you will feel when you ALREADY have these things. Picture yourself already posessing these things. The gift will come sooner and in a better way for you and your family if you choose to do this. I have seen this happen again, and again in my own life. The “key” is to picture yourself as if you already have these items along with deep gratitude and feeling. This also works for spiritual gifts as well. Try it.
love,
Tiffany
You make some very wonderful points. And I, too, love this: “definition of true simplicity: a right relationship with God that fills us so deeply that we don’t yearn for unnecessary materialism to fill our empty spaces.” Oh my word… even at age 50 something, maybe even MORE so at this age, the thought of simplifying life is important…. I want to simplify my life so that I can ENJOY my grandchildren and relate God and the importance of a relationship with Christ to them. I am falling short of that and it is time to re-evaluate and find my way to this end. Nothing is more important to me than the salvation of my children and grandchildren… well, my walk is important, too.. but you know what I mean… Simplify… you have me thinking… thank you.
Wardah,
may I ask where you get your high speed internet (I live across the road from you). We have been using satellite internet and it’s not as fast as I’d like.
Thank you,
Jami