Simplicity, Made Simple

How does one live a simple life?

What does living simplistic look like?

Simplicity

• the state of being uncomplicated and uncompounded

• freedom from pretense or guile

• directness of expression

I shared in a conversation today with a friend, we discussed many things ranging from personal cares and concerns to the many plights going on in the world in general. A question was posed as to how I see myself in the midst of everything or at least where I wish to see myself. The first word that came to me was, “simple.” I see myself living a simplistic life. In many ways I live a life filled with good fortune and prosperity in comparison to some and equally compared to others I am living in poverty. It’s all a matter of perspective from which one sees me, or perhaps chooses not to see. None of it really truly matters because this place, earth that is, is not my home. I know that my eternal home is in heaven with God, God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. Knowing this does not mean I don’t care about my life here on planet earth, I do very much so. I have learned as I get older what the truly valuable things are in life for me. I once dreamed of living in a large home filled with lots things and people/children and pets, but large homes can be lonely especially when there’s no one significant to share it with, pets though they are cute and cuddly are also an added responsibility when not shared with someone. Don’t misunderstand, being alone is not the same as lonely. Being single can be very fulfilling and rewarding, we are all called to be and do different things and we are all chosen and created by God with purpose! I have had two significant relationships during my life and I am a better person today because of them. I made mistakes and have regrets and I learned from them. I’m a better person because of my experiences, and if it’s God’s will for me to meet and be with someone again, I will welcome it with an open heart, an open mind and an open soul. Living simple for me is having what I need and the ability to have some of the things I want. It’s having the freedom to say yes to things and no, to other things. It’s helping and volunteering with there’s a need. It’s sleeping all day if I choose to do so. It’s staying up late reading a book, playing a video game or watching movies. It’s staying up late preparing for a bible study class or responding to the Spirits call to post a blog that’s been tugging on my heart all day long. It’s going for a drive in the middle of the night just to feel the wind on my face. It’s going to the park just to take pictures of God’s grand design. It’s going out for dinner and ordering the finest steak without concern for the price. It’s choosing healthy foods because it will help me feel better in the long run. It’s about having butter on my popcorn at the movies because life is very short. It’s smiling at a stranger because they deserve to be noticed. It’s holding a door for someone and saying “thank you” and “you’re welcome.” It’s saying you’re sorry and truly meaning it. It’s sitting in silence with a friend in need because words are not necessary. It’s remembering a memory and sharing it. It’s paying for a strangers meal without their knowledge. It’s stopping my car when a funeral procession drives by. It’s saying thank you to a solider, police officer or firefighter. It’s saying a prayer when I see an ambulance or police car racing by with lights flashing. It’s picking up trash in a parking lot. It’s all these things and more, much more that give my life meaning, value and it is simple. Simple, in that these things bring me joy and happiness and peace.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read my post, I pray that you are able to glean something of value for yourself from it. God continues to bless me day after day and I want to pass the blessings on to you. Believe and know that God loves you and that He desires only goodness for you. Trust in Him today!

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27

~Peace~

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=John%2014:27&version=NRSV