Simplify.....

As I sit here in Mammoth Cave, KY I am reminded how important simplicity is.  As I look around at 6:05 am I am reminded how often we don’t take the time to look and listen to life around us.  My goal is to simplify my life and to evaluate what is most important.  On this quiet morning at the campground I can see birds playing and chirping, a light breeze blowing, the sun peeking over the tops of the trees and the stillness of those around me. 

The cabin that we are staying in is an efficiency.  It is one room that includes a bunk bed, a couch, a kitchenette and a small bathroom.  Also included is a cute little deck with wooden chairs that I now sit on.  (A squirrel just went by me looking for food).   

How often do we take time out of our busy lives to think about the importance of simplifying?  Many things that we have as possessions just take up space.  We buy them out of immediate gratification and later they become just something else to deal with in our environment.  For me, I want to work on simplifying my life and listening and watching life around me.  We need to have a conscience awareness of nature and simplicity in life.  For me, that is where I can most reconnect with God.  This simplicity along with present moment living can be the breath of fresh air that we need in a time where life seems so busy, corrupt and overwhelming.  Life is a gift and we need to treat it as such.  It reminds me of a reading. When someone is on their death bed, they don’t talk about all their accomplishments, the things they obtained or the fame they received.  They want to love and to be loved.  My dad used to say “we can’t take it with us when we leave this world.”  As I get older I reflect on this more and more.  We come into this world with nothing and we leave with nothing material. Why does material possessions take up so much of our time between the dash (date of life and date of death)?

I have been talking to my husband about the idea of traveling for a year.  Looking at God’s creation and enjoying it through travel.  His answer, “we have to sell our houses, eliminate debt and make it a plan.  How liberating that would be.  I am glad he is on board with the idea!

The cabin we are staying in was likely built for less than $6000.00.  Why do we need a $100,000.00 house or more?  Why do we think we need to “keep up” with others?  Why can’t we be confident in ourselves, our choices and just love? 

The ocean, the mountains, the desert are all gifts.  We spend so much time chasing the next promotion or the next dollar that we forget to simply live and focus on what is important. LOVE.

I challenge you to evaluate your life and think of things that you could simplify.  This will allow you more time with God, more time with your family and more time focusing on the idea that yes, less can be more.

I saw a quote that said “we should live simply so others can simply live.”  Another challenge,  reflect on this quote and what it means to you.

The sun is up and people are starting to wake up around me.  I will now head to the cave to see more of God’s beauty and begin thinking and planning a simple life.