Simplicity

As I continue on this journey of the *Seasons of My Heart", I've been waiting in the season of Simplicity!
Webster defines Simplicity this way:
"the degree to which a system or component has a design and implementation that is straightforward and easy to understand."

Now that's pretty straight forward. Yet, why does it seem that NOTHING is simply anymore?? Everything seems so blurred by our business.....by our rush to do more.......by our wanting.....wanting....and wanting more. But is that really, truly, the lifestyle God wants for us?

This is a question that God has been having me ponder for the past 1 1/2 years. Our human nature is as such, that we have gotten so accustom to being busy, being around LOTS of noise, and excitement, that we NO longer, know how to be still, be quiet....and be simple. There is always one more thing to do, one more sports event to attend, one more pair of shoes to buy, one more church activity to be involved in, or attend. Yet....at the end of all of this, we finding ourselves SO busy *doing* things....that we've not found anytime to simply *be*...with our Lord.

By nature I'm a go getter- if something needs to be done...I'm there....who has time to rest??? There's work to be done, from cooking, to cleaning, to running to and fro, to exercising, to laundry...to.....you can fill in the blank:_____________________. Yet in all of the business.....God is giving me a desire in my heart...to slow down....to find rest.....IN HIM...and reflect on, "What really matter's in life??""" Will it matter one day, all of the shoes, or clothing, or home decorations, or THINGS.....that I've been able to amass........OR.....will it matter what I've done for Jesus????? Now I'm not saying there is anything wrong with things....but I do believe that God desires us to have a balance.

Our world pushes at us through many mediums that MORE=SUCESS, and I disagree with this. I believe LESS=SUCESS. I'm seeing in our fallen nature that so many of us fall into the trap of wanting more. We want bigger houses, bigger cars, more clothes, fancier THINGS....and is this where it is really at????

During the past year and a half, our family has gone from the palace (finanically) to the pit (finanically). A few years ago...we never gave it a thought to what we bought.....where we went on vacation...or if we had enough money. Yes, those were great times, and we are SO thankful to God for his bountiful blessing. But today, one and half years removed....we are now on a strict budget, no more family vacations, and now, we pinch pennies...and watch every dime we spend. Now that you've gasped....ask me which lifestyle I preferred????

In all honesty...I'd rather be...right where we are...in our current life style. You see, God has been taking us on a journey where we are DAILY (some days are far more difficult that others) trusting in HIM..for he ALONE...will and has provide for each and everyone of our needs!! Through this road we are walking, we are seeing miracle...after miracle. Why are we noticing God's hand??? I believe we are seeing his hand now, because we are needing HIM to provide....rather than us resting in our jobs...and our financies to meet whatever need we have. In the past....if we had a need...no problem...we had the funds. One of our kid's wanted to particiaptate in an extra curricular program...no problem...no matter what the cost was. You want that outfit, sure...we can afford it.

Yet today...we are living a different story...BUT....God is showing up...teaching us (our entire family) that he WILL provide....when we are faithful to him. WE now, sit back and realize..how suttle working for *things* had crept into our hearts and lives. Then..one day...a storm hits.....and everything you've worked for....is no longer constant...and you are left with nothing....so we thought.....but in reality..we had everything we needed: GOD!!

Ecclesiastes 4: 4-6 days: (NLT)
Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind. “Fools fold their idle hands, leading them to ruin.” And yet, “Better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind.”

My prayer, is that as I'm on this journey..this new season of my life....that I continue to choose *quietness*....and one handful...so that my other hand...is ALWAYS...free...to reach up...and grap hold of my Master's hand..so that he can lead, guide and direct my life!