I must admit, I am a tad bit embarrassed by the amount of time that has passed since my last post. I am going to try my hardest to begin writing again, for a longer length of time, and more consistently.
I cannot begin to write about the things God has taught me and walked me through the past two years. There has been an incredible amount of growth and learning, pain and loving, and most importantly, God has opened my eyes to look at life in a completely different way. I have been open to knew experiences and have reflected on my life in ways I never have before. The past 6 months of my life have truly been the most beautiful - and I am in complete awe of God's power to make things bright and new! ("Behold, I am making all things new." Revelation 21:5)
To begin this blog again, I am going to write about something that has been deeply ingrained and embedded in my soul - to live simply. Not simple in the sense of apathy about life or being content in a negative way, but simple in a way where you do not get caught up in the ways of the world and try to live a life too full of stuff. I believe that when you strive to live a simple life, you allow yourself to cultivate your life in ways you never imagined you could because it is not filled with things that don't matter.
sim·ple/ˈsɪmpəl/ [sim-puhl]
1. easy to understand, deal with, use, etc.: a simple matter; simple tools.
2. not elaborate or artificial; plain: a simple style.
3. not ornate or luxurious; unadorned: a simple gown.
4. unaffected; unassuming; modest: a simple manner.
5. not complicated: a simple design.
As children of God, we are called to be content and satisfied in Christ. Christ is the source of all satisfaction and total satisfaction. We may not experience full satisfaction in our earthly lives, but we receive complete satisfaction by having hope that we spend eternity with Christ. We experience partial satisfaction in the here and now through hope, forgiveness, and the growing power to love. We will experience total satisfaction when we are made perfect in a perfect world - heaven.
That said, I believe living simply in our earthly lives contributes to cultivating our lives in ways that are heavenly directed. We need to focus more on the heavenly and less on the earthly. Don't be so concerned with what kind of car you drive, if you have the latest cellular device, how big your house is, or what kind of clothes you wear. Be concerned with obeying and loving the Lord, caring and loving your fellow human beings, and with making life be full of joy, peace, humility - and so many other things! Be concerned with improving your internal, natural qualities that you have been gifted with. Be concerned about living a life that is full of compassion and giving of yourself to others. Be concerned with de-cluttering your life and organizing it in a way that will encourage you to daily live life focused on heavenly things.
Be encouraged by Paul in Philippians 4:11-13:
"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 all this through him who gives me strength."
Also be reminded to "be content with what you have, rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” (Lao Tzu)
Cling to simplicity. Enjoy the little things. Search for and discover the things that truly matter in this life. Believe that there is hope and peace now and in the future. Live life beautifully.
