SIMPLICITY - I have spent the past week pondering this word. My first thoughts related to how I could make my home simple. And that is so not happening! And I am starting to be O.K. with that, I think.
So in search of simplicity I decided to start at the beginning: the dictionary. Dictionary.com had the following definition:
2. freedom from complexity, intricacy, or division into parts
And didn't that go nicely with the February 6th 'Think' I have been focusing on this week (because don't you read a whole week in advance?)
"Take care not to meddle in things which do not
concern you, nor even allow them to pass through
your mind; for perhaps you will not then
be able to fulfill your own task."
St John of the Cross
And I am struggling with Simplicity. I am struggling with letting go of the divisions in my mind: the worrying about college for my oldest, the concerns about my sophomore, the anxiety about paying bills and lack of work, the concerns about an ill Mother-in-Law, the stresses of a grumpy 4 year old, and I could continue....
I want to be SIMPLE. I want to be JOYFUL. I really do. And I struggle with being these things. And as I write this, and ponder this truth: I struggle; I decided to go again to the dictionary.
The first definition of struggle at Dictionary.com is:
1. to contend with an adversary or opposing force
And there it is - my problem. I am contending with an adversary. This adversary knows exactly what to put in my mind to keep me struggling with simplicity and joy: 'I am not a good mom', 'I am not a competent person', 'I am not a ___' fill in the blank.
Last night at Bible Study, a wise woman we are blessed to be able to spend time with said: "You are where God wants you to be, right now. You might not know why you are there, but God wants you there."
I really need to simplify my goal of Simplicity:
Jesus, I Trust in You
So, these are my goals for this week:
Trust in Jesus.
Give thanks for being where I am.
Join us at Elizabeth's to see others' thoughts on simplicity this week.
And, if you would, please spare a prayer for me as I try to keep from struggling this week and stay focused on Jesus. Thank you, and God Bless you.
Karen, I will pray for you. As I often have to remind myself, "Don't let Satan steal your joy."
ReplyDeletePowerful, insightful, simple. Your goals for this week are the best goals for each of us all year long!
ReplyDeleteI like simple......but simple could be just one little act during a whole day.....making pancakes for my kids = Simple, the time we spend while waiting at the bus stop =simple, saying a prayer while I fold laundry, also simple. Small steps :) love and miss you ,
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