So picking up where I left off months ago, one spiritual discipline stands out to me as something that I not only need to work on, but also others could probably benefit by practicing: Simplicity!
What's that? Am I hearing collective groaning? Its okay, trust me! You are not doomed to hoarding, complicated lives, complicated friendships, situations that give you headaches, and frustration. I have learned this past year how much easier life is for me when I am keeping life simple.
I have been really trying to take to heart 1 John 2:15, which states not to love the world or anything in it, but that anyone who loves the world will not have the love of the father. Does it sound harsh? Yes. But at the same time, I have to remember the idea of "love" in this case means to put something in front of God. That being said, if I obsess over things that are temporary and put accumulating those things (things: material stuff, relationships, jobs, etc) above God, I have found that those things will eventually create a thirst that I can not quench. Whether they deteriorate, die, end, or lose their appeal, those "things" fall away. That is why I have learned to be content with what I have and be addicted to accumulating extra things.
Here are a few things that I am learning about life and being simple:
1. Clutter makes me stressed. I am not a hoarder, nor am I ever going to be a hoarder, but having too much makes me feel claustrophobic. So why hold onto stuff that I do not need?
2. Giving away stuff is liberating. By virtue of working in clothing stores, one thing that I have a lot of is clothes. Being able to share what I have with others helps meet their needs, but also helps me detach from anything that could take over my mind.
3. It reminds me that "stuff" does not control me. In the past few months, I was told that I needed a better phone, a better sense of style, a better job, a nicer car, a different hairstyle, to make more money, and to ultimately change who I was because who I was did not sit well with some people. That being said, if I did make those alterations... what does it give me? In most of those cases, it is debt and a confused identity. Those things don't make me who I am, I have nice things, but I don't need to have everything.
4. Complexities are expensive. Whether it is time, money, or emotions, complexities have a way of taxing me in many different ways. I need to be smart about what I invest in.
5. I realize my value. By taking away my "stuff", I can clearly see who I am. One moment in my life that I cherish is when I was in seminary (with very little money), I was able to scrape together a few dollars to go ice skating and go to dinner with a woman that I was friends with. She told me that the previous guys she hung out with were rich and drove expensive cars, but she had more fun with me and that the night was meaningful to her. That blessed me because it reminded me that even though I had very little, that she liked me for who I was... which I rarely (if ever) hear.
6. I have more energy when life is simple. Being a new teacher and trying to teach six different classes keeps me busy! When I factor in ministry, friends, work, and self care (resting, sleeping and working out), my schedule gets packed quickly. That being said, I try not to complicate my schedule more than it is and I give times to things that are worth giving time to.
7. Dramatic people = Life clutter. One danger to simplicity in life is people who are abusive, selfish, controlling, or demanding. I can remember years ago having a friend who used to drink and then draw me into conflicts for various reasons. I knew another person who for whatever reason would create fights when there was nothing to fight about, and for some reason must have enjoyed crying and screaming. I learned quickly that their chaos was not simple, and it was definitely not Godly. I had to cut ties, which stunk, but life was less stressful and healthier after that.
8. Simplicity is peaceful. Have you ever heard anyone say, "wow, that person needs more complications in their life!"? One thing that I have learned about most simple people is that they are a joy to be around because you know who they are, they have healthy priorities, and they usually try to live harmoniously in life.
9. When God provides, I don't need to be stressed out about life. For the first time in a long time I feel that I am where God wants me for my occupation and for church, and I am at peace about it. The job came out of no where and the church just so happened to have needs that I am able to help with. It took a while in life for these things to fall in place, but in the end, God provided for me as I patiently waited on him.
10. Religion is simple. As I pursue a relationship with Jesus, my life changes. When we try to complicate religion, we create chaos. I keep my eyes on Christ and do my best to be humble before him, and I trust that he will keep my life simple yet meaningful.
