My introduction to the simple living concept came from Shane Claiborne, author of The Irresistible Revolution, Living as an Ordinary Radical. If you haven't had the chance to read this book, you should consider doing so, but be ready to have your nice comfortable Christian world rocked.
My struggle is trying to figure out what a simple life would look like for me. I don't consider my life to be extravagant by any means. That is when I compare myself to the American standard. However, if I compare my life to the lives of the millions of people worldwide who live in utter poverty, then it seems that I probably do live in excess. Having too much "stuff and things" is not living simply.
But it isn't only possessions that complicate life. It is activities as well. So many things to do, so many places to go. Even good things like church can become a burden when there are services three times a week and meetings in between.
I think about how I've heard that life used to be. Neighbors knew each other. Families and friends stopped by to sit on the porch and visit for a while. When there was a need, folks pitched in to help each other. People worked hard, but I'm sure that they slept well at night (without the aid of sleeping pills).
It's very hard not to get caught up in the American way of life: A full Day-Timer + lots of stuff, stuff and more stuff = Happiness
Maybe it is time to reevaluate our priorities and make some changes. Putting first things first...sounds pretty simple, doesn't it?
4 comments:
I see this trend too....although I remember it from the 70's too when the first wave hit and my Mom baked bread and made bean spreads for my lunches...actually I think it's a theme that cycles though society! Thankfully I'm a homebody type so I have no problem with too much to do....I simply decline...a lot. For me it is more complicated with things! I do try not to "have" too much or multiples of things. I did a post a bit back about my garage clean out. It was an emotional event in many ways. Letting go of things is hard! I had to keep reminding myself that all those things will bless another and that's why I'm here....to love and serve the Lord and bless others as He blesses me, not to hang onto "things"! Any time I read or watch from counttries living in poverty....I feel I have WAY too much! I have so much room to grow in this area! Have a great weekend, friend =)
Good post, Deidra!
I never knew the "front porch" days but i've seen enough andy griffith to know that mayberry was a realy cool place.We were in simpson county the other day...way out in the sticks...state road 383 lol!!...we passed this house along the way where about 6 people were sittin out on the porch "visitin" and they all smiled and waved as we passed.As i smiled and waved back i thought how cool is that ya know...these people didn't know me from adam but the vibe i got from them was like i could've pulled in to the drive, got out and sat up there with em drinkin tea, shootin the breeze and i would've been welcome there.A "simple" act from people livin a "simple" life have given me a feeling and a memory i'll never forget.
Jer that is a great story...thanks for sharing it. Maybe we can all find a way to get back to a way of life that fosters those type of feelings and memories...for us and for our children.
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