The things I will talk about in regards to simplicity are the things we have in Christ the freedom of choice to do or not to do.
At times, my choices may seem kooky to you.
At times, they may seem overly simple, and at other times, not simple enough.
As I said yesterday, I am not an expert and don’t have this all nailed down into a little box of what seeking first the kingdom of God looks like. If I did, I guess I would have my own Jamie cult, but I don’t. 🙂 thankfully for me and for you, because the stress of it all would drive us both mad.
What we are often tempted to do for ease of understanding is assume we must all do “these things” in the same way, whatever the things are that God has placed for you to do – parenting, ministry, marriage, and on and on…
But we are not cookie cutter, carbon-copies of one another.
As you read about simplicity here in this space, remember my blog is a place of grace – nothing I share is meant to be done in extreme – either in legalism or license.
I could for example say “to be simple one must…” or “to be simple we are free to do as we wish…” but neither will be found here.
As you read, know that I am still learning, and be tuned to any internal voices wanting a handbook of discipline to follow, and silence them. Instead we are not gonna create rules but simply slow down and be intentional where we are and in the choices we make.
For me, as one prone to people pleasing, I can take the thoughts I read on the internet and make them my own when they were never meant to be mine. So today, I simply ask you to heed the Spirit as we journey alongside one another. Enough of the warnings and onto the fun…
Photo Credit: Sharon Mollerus
Love the grace you extend here. You put it all so well!
Thank you! Yesterday in bible study we talked about how sometimes we don’t have the humility to accept praise instead we deflect, and say something about how we really aren’t xyz. I felt like doing that when I saw this. But instead I am trying to simply say, thanks!
Perfectly said. We all have to follow the guiding of the Spirit, and what is okay for one might not be okay for another — we just throw grace around like confetti without judgment or reservation. Eagerly looking forward to tomorrow’s post!
throwing grace around like confetti – what a simile! 🙂
Jamie, I look forward to this with you. My adult life as continually been downsized and I have found so much wealth in living simply, to my surprise. But it’s a constant struggle for me, there are so many things that can clutter lives. One of my favorite parenting books is Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne. It’s not Christian but has a lot of great practical wisdom. Thanks for writing!
Friend, I am imagining you have much more wisdom than I to share on this topic, but I am so glad you are joining me on the journey. I will definitely look up that resource. Sounds neat!
I want to learn to practice the art of simplicity, whatever that looks like for me. Blessings!
Oh yes, glad to have you!
I am ready for change! I have (tried) many bible study but never found Him.