Simple

We come into this world holding nothing.

We leave this world holding nothing.

Why then, do we spend so much time in the middle holding stuff that doesn’t matter?

 

If the struggle of the past three years teaches me anything, it is that simplicity is the way to live.  I’ve learned about simple faith, simple family, and simple finances.  Ultimately the common theme:  SIMPLE!  When things get complex, you better get back to the roots else misery is ahead.

 

Only two other people know the complexity of the last three years.  No real need for details other than to say different aspects of life got complicated.  One small example:  time.  Just for me, I committed to advising an organization, did an entire dissertation, and led a Bible study.  Things got hectic.  My health deteriorated and I had to make some choices to get realigned with my true values:  God & family.

 

Fast forward to today and the only thing I’m allowing is the Bible study.  It aligned with my value and allows me to share time with Ray.  So it passes the rigor test!

 

The dissertation is done and the advising has ended.  Ironically-my health is now improving!  Amazing how that works.

 

This short example is playing out in so many ways over and over again in my life right now.

 

Lesson One:  Keep faith simple.  Jesus said love God, love others.  Simple as that.  I keep myself connected (in relationship) by daily practices such as prayer and connect with others each week at church and Bible Study.  This keeps me fed and learning.

 

Lesson Two:  Sime family.  To borrow a cliché’:  focus on the family.  They are the ones who are there for you when you are down so keep those you love and those that love you close.  Reference:  love God, love others!

 

Lesson Three:  Simple finances.  Get out of debt and realize God owns and provides everything.  Not one thing is of your doing.  If you complicate things you’ll pay dearly in multiple ways!  When the finances get complicated, every other area in your life gets complicated and that just leads to misery every day!

 

Simple living-put your energies and resources where it matters (suggestion: take Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University class), simple finances, simple family, and simple faith.

 

Stand firm on that value and everything is simpler to figure out!