Ode to the Simple Life

“There is no time to waste, so don’t complicate your lives unnecessarily. Keep it simple in marriage, grief, joy, whatever. Even in ordinary things-your daily routines of shopping, and so on. Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out. I want you to live as free of complications as possible.” (The Message translation, 1 Corinthians 7)

Paul spends a lot of time in this passage trying to stress a simple way of living and in his mind that means singleness vs. marriage. I can’t help but wonder what would be written about living a simple life today!

I’ve lived long enough now to have some hindsight and realize that there have been times when I’ve over complicated my life, whether that’s in my scheduling of activities, spending, relationships, accumulation of stuff, or however else I’ve been able to finagle complicating things. It’s an easy thing to do as a young adult and a young parent. We are prone to seeing what others are doing and feeling the pressure and desire to want to fit in and do the same.

Over time...I’ve realized the simple life is where it’s at. I’ve also realized the simple life doesn’t just happen, it’s a very deliberate choice daily, it’s learning to slow down, be silent and stop the activity and hum of stress and business that seems to so easily become our daily soundtrack.

I think the simple life will look a little different for each person. And that’s part of the beauty of it too. Imagine that Jesus would want us to live in a way that is tailor made for our personality and soul. Why would we choose anything less? But, we do it all the time when we aren’t in touch with our deepest desires.

We will be prone to satisfy for lesser things every time without the help of Jesus.

Every time we sing the words “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love.” I am struck by the reality of that pull in me even though I love God.

Friends...as much as you can, step into self-reflection and actually listen to your heart and soul, listen to the voice of Jesus within you. Take the time to be so in touch with Him that He will be the One you rely on to guide you in all the decisions of your life. I think you will naturally find yourself craving simplicity.

For me...going for a walk...enjoying a cup of coffee...eating a home cooked meal with my family...getting rid of stuff I don’t use or enjoy...helping others...reading a good book...noticing nature...feeling the breeze, warmth of the sun or even the rain on my skin...homemade gifts and just realizing over all that less is always more, making do with what I have, and I could go on and on. These are all ways that I find simplicity, and this is just the beginning. Simplicity will affect your calendar and your checkbook right away. It’s the ability to say yes to the things that are best instead of just saying yes to anything and everything.

Leave room for Jesus. Simplicity allows you to do just that.

Ruth Spencer