Enjoy Life’s Simpler Pleasures

Oh how I long for a slower pace. Truth be told, I long to once again enjoy life’s simpler pleasures. This season of life has been particularly crazy and while some things will take a bit longer to check off the list, I’m choosing today to embrace a new season free from worldly overload. Hence, the title of this series.

‘Finding Your Mayberry’ sounds so good. In the midst of the busyness, I am reminded of simpler times of days gone by. Lighter schedules, fewer commitments, quality time with friends and family, and creative hobbies that actually get done. I imagine an untimed walk outdoors and sipping a cold glass of sweet tea while reading a good book for starters. All of these things are on my list.  

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT

I believe we can enjoy life’s simple pleasures on a regular basis if we make conscious choices. All we have to do is make some changes. Start small. Be intentional. Find what we enjoy and never give up. How do we do that? We can start by spending time in God’s Word. The Bible actually has a lot to say about simple living.

Simple Living 

According to Katie Bennett at Embracing the Simple Life, “Simple living is not the trendy, minimalism that you may be thinking of, but rather, it has more to do with a complete mindset shift.”

For all intents and purposes I’m going to define simple living as having less to do with acquiring stuff or managing busy schedules and more to do with breaking free of world approval. It’s our dependance on God at every turn and belief in His promises that we will one day see glory. In those few words our entire mindset shifts from earthly to eternity.

We always seem to be in pursuit of something. Why don’t we pursue simple living with God? Why don’t we make the shift that takes our eyes off of the cluttered world and instead focus on the kingdom of God? That’s our equivalent to ‘Finding Your Mayberry.’ Simpler times, a slower pace, a recommitment to Christ, new found joy and freedom from cultural approval.

We always seem to be in pursuit of something. Why don’t we pursue simple living with God?

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Clear Your Schedule

So as we take steps to cut out the unessentials, reach for your calendar right now. What do you see? If I’m honest, mine sometimes looks like it exploded. At least that’s what it feels like. It seems as though it always includes an endless list of errands, to-do’s and more. All this running around makes me weary. 

When it gets like this I think about the fictitious Mayberry and character, Aunt Bee. I think the busiest I ever saw her was preparing a meal or checking on Andy and Barney at the jail. They didn’t lock their doors, they ate at home, enjoyed fellowship, and genuinely cared for each other. And yes, they even had time to go to the fishing hole. Makes me want an earthly Mayberry even more.

So over the next 30 days go through your schedule and get rid of the absolute unnecessary. Take care of the essentials, choose one day a week to run errands and finally, know that it’s okay to say NO and mean it.

Can you imagine the blocks of time you’ve just opened up? Now you can play with your kids, enjoy fellowship with friends (with no lingering commitments hanging over your heads), and you could even start that new book you’ve been putting off. And if you’ve gotten out of the habit of spending time with God, make plans to meet Him each day from a favorite spot with your Bible and a cup of coffee. Pray about what you’re giving up and what you’re gaining, and be intentional in your pursuit of simple living.

Be looking for the BONUS Summer Reading List in your inbox this week.

I’ll be praying for you as you decide how to enjoy the simpler pleasures of life.

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