I have been thinking a lot lately (scary I know) about simplicity and solitude. My question has been "Is it really possibly to have a simple life and to find moments of silence and solitude in this crazy hustle and bustle world?"
Now, this question does go deeper. What is the point of desiring simplicity? Should we desire a simple life just because it is simple? Should we even desire it at all? What if that is "just not our personality"?
What are the practical applications of a "simple life"? What do we do when we are desiring solitude but we have demands that must be met?
These are all questions I have been pondering for the last week. I feel that my life has been a little hectic. I have been just floating through my days, busying myself with things that aren't of lasting importance. Now, I realize that the mundane tasks of our lives have to be done. I guess what I am really asking is why does the world disagree with simplicity and solitude? Even in Christian circles? Isn't this what we should be desiring?
Any thoughts or practical applications?
Add: The picture at the top is from our last trip to Guatemala. It always reminds me that I need to slow down and really think about my life and how I am living it. The Guatemalan life style is so simple. I really desire that. (Not to be Guatemalan, but the lifestyle!) So that is the reason for the picture.
5 comments:
I think simplicity takes on two facets in the Christian life; that is the simplicity of lifestyle and the simplicity of time--perhaps a better word is solitude.
Although you can research more on these two topics, I think having a lifestyle that is moderate is huge in this "self-saturated" world. We often are indoctrinated by culture which calls for more, more, more....I believe the Christian lifestyle calls for moderation and in essence, a simplicity of how we live. This doesn't mean we deny all aspects of what it means to have things, but we are conscious of how we are using the things God blesses us with. (see John Piper's "Brothers, Tell Them Copper Will Do" from his book "Brothers We are Not Professionals.")
Secondly, solitude simply means taking time to become still in the presence of God and "detangle" ourselves from the busyness of life. Too often we THINK we are too hectic, but let's be realistic. We do have time if we have the mindset that we should approach our time with God with "fear and reverence." We don't demand an audience with the Maker of the heavens and earth, but we do humbly, yet confidently approach the throne of grace.
Of course this takes a great revolution in mind and body---and a commitement to place the things of God above our schedules.
On a lighter note, if you want to simplify your bank account, I'll take large bills only please! : )
I think simplicity takes on two facets in the Christian life; that is the simplicity of lifestyle and the simplicity of time--perhaps a better word is solitude.
Although you can research more on these two topics, I think having a lifestyle that is moderate is huge in this "self-saturated" world. We often are indoctrinated by culture which calls for more, more, more....I believe the Christian lifestyle calls for moderation and in essence, a simplicity of how we live. This doesn't mean we deny all aspects of what it means to have things, but we are conscious of how we are using the things God blesses us with. (see John Piper's "Brothers, Tell Them Copper Will Do" from his book "Brothers We are Not Professionals.")
Secondly, solitude simply means taking time to become still in the presence of God and "detangle" ourselves from the busyness of life. Too often we THINK we are too hectic, but let's be realistic. We do have time if we have the mindset that we should approach our time with God with "fear and reverence." We don't demand an audience with the Maker of the heavens and earth, but we do humbly, yet confidently approach the throne of grace.
Of course this takes a great revolution in mind and body---and a commitement to place the things of God above our schedules.
On a lighter note, if you want to simplify your bank account, I'll take large bills only please! : )
I agree! I say that all the time........when I get up in the dark to go to work and drive home in the dark.....couldn't we be more like Italy, where they go to work at around 10 am....take lunch, have some wine, then work a few more hours and go home. Sounds good to me!!
I like what you said about we "think" we are too hectic. That is so true. But really, if we would be better organized and have our priorities in line, we wouldn't feel that way at all.
For me, I tend to feel my life is more hectic when I am not consistently spending time in the word and in prayer....hence...priorities not in line.
I like to have things written out practically. So for me, it's cutting things out that "waste" my time and reorganizing to better spend my time so I can get more accomplished.
The chapter I read on simplicity said that it is not the point just to desire simplicity, doesn't everyone desire that? The point is to make the Kingdom of Heaven the center of your everything. By doing this, the rest will fall in place. But the book did give some practical things for simplifing. Like, buy a car for pracitical purposes rather than for prestige. Those kind of things.
If I needed to simplify my banking account any more....I would be glad to give you large bills!
As usual, my wife uses less words with greater impact.
Sorry about the double post. I am an impatient "clicker."
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