The other day while out biking in the countryside near my house, I passed a large Amish family out in their yard, getting dozens of ears of corn ready to freeze. The ladies were chatting and shucking corn, the kids were playing tag and swinging on the swings in the yard. It just seemed like such a simple, yet memorable time! I then rode bike by the same house last night and the kids were outside playing a limbo type game with an old broom stick…so simple, and yet they were giggling, running around and having a great time. I often see this family sitting on their deck enjoying dinner together.
My life is often far from simple!!! Endless baseball tournaments, driving the kids to practices, working full time, never ending piles of laundry, a constantly messy garage, cross country/track meets and helping with coaching, teaching Jr. High Sunday school, cooking, cleaning, cleaning up dog poop, the list goes on and on! Not a real simple life.
Yet riding bike past this country home has caused me on several occasions to reflect upon this chaotic life I lead. I realize it’s a season of life right now, a busy season. But sometimes I wonder how well do I draw the line between being in the world, but not of the world. I often loose that focus amidst being so busy!
John 17:15-17 (New International Version)15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctifythem by the truth; your word is truth.
Yes there are many times I do need God’s protection from the evil one and that constant reminder to NOT be consumed by the world and it’s craziness!!
I am working this week to enjoy the simple things God has given me. Reflect on His power and purpose for me in this time and place…… while in the world but hopefully not so consumed by it
S.I.M.P.L.I.F.Y!!!!
I have included in this post some of my favorite simple things this summer! It is during those simple times I can truly reflect on the plans God has for me and the greater things that are yet to come!
John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Wife to my sweet husband who was diagnosed in 2010 years ago at age 46 with Alzheimer's. Walking the journey with our two adult children with our eyes on God. It ain't always easy, but God is in it!
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9 Comments
Oh how I can relate to this post! I can get so caught up in the day that I loose sight of why I am here…
It’s good to see you back Sandy! This is a wonderful post and something for me to think about as well! Not having kids makes leading a simple life much easier for me, but sometimes I notice I just need to stop for a moment!
WOW….you are writing today exactly what I was going to write about tomorrow afternoon! I have a lunch date with a cousin I haven’t seen in about 30 years…I kid you not. We reconnected with facebook and one of my sisters and I are going to saratoga to meet with her. And I told my sis I am going home to blog about simple things. Sandy…..this was great!!!! I like what you say about being in the world but not of the world…..so similar to what is on my heart lately…..(to give you a heads up: i have had to close my blog for awhile to just invited readers….you are on the list!)
One word ladies “retire” you have to give something up to relax a bit more. Sometimes we get caught up in the traffic of self worth that is wrongly measured by accomplishments in a day. Drink loose leaf tea and relax when you get to the bottom of the cup tell yourself your fortune.
What encouraging words…simplify. Recently we moved into a 500 sq. ft. apt. I never realized how simple life could be. The less stuff, the less time it takes to maintain the stuff. I am starting to wonder, why we are building a new home…
You have a beautiful family and nice blog! Will be back!
I was just talking to another band/soccer mom saying what are we going to do next year when our kids graduate from HS? We both volunteer in several areas of our lives and are always on the go. I have thought lately – I need to just slow down and enjoy life and more quiet times to listen for God’s voice in my life. I have been also thinking about what God wants me to do not just what I want to do. Thanks for the reminder – why am I here? what a great question to ponder and pray on.
Keeping it simple is the best!! It’s always so important to remember to smell the flowers as you pass them and play peek-a-boo with the little girl smiling at the grocery store! -Not only does God love it…but so does your youth…keeps you young!!
Jesus and Dark Chocolate 
Oh how I can relate to this post! I can get so caught up in the day that I loose sight of why I am here…
Have a great day!
It’s good to see you back Sandy! This is a wonderful post and something for me to think about as well! Not having kids makes leading a simple life much easier for me, but sometimes I notice I just need to stop for a moment!
WOW….you are writing today exactly what I was going to write about tomorrow afternoon! I have a lunch date with a cousin I haven’t seen in about 30 years…I kid you not. We reconnected with facebook and one of my sisters and I are going to saratoga to meet with her. And I told my sis I am going home to blog about simple things. Sandy…..this was great!!!! I like what you say about being in the world but not of the world…..so similar to what is on my heart lately…..(to give you a heads up: i have had to close my blog for awhile to just invited readers….you are on the list!)
One word ladies “retire” you have to give something up to relax a bit more. Sometimes we get caught up in the traffic of self worth that is wrongly measured by accomplishments in a day. Drink loose leaf tea and relax when you get to the bottom of the cup tell yourself your fortune.
What encouraging words…simplify. Recently we moved into a 500 sq. ft. apt. I never realized how simple life could be. The less stuff, the less time it takes to maintain the stuff. I am starting to wonder, why we are building a new home…
You have a beautiful family and nice blog! Will be back!
We all have those stretches where our kids keep us running. I sure hope you can find a few moments to yourself this week. 🙂
I love your second picture. That’s so pretty!
Oh I can relate. That is my “mantra” lately – simplify…..
I was just talking to another band/soccer mom saying what are we going to do next year when our kids graduate from HS? We both volunteer in several areas of our lives and are always on the go. I have thought lately – I need to just slow down and enjoy life and more quiet times to listen for God’s voice in my life. I have been also thinking about what God wants me to do not just what I want to do. Thanks for the reminder – why am I here? what a great question to ponder and pray on.
Keeping it simple is the best!! It’s always so important to remember to smell the flowers as you pass them and play peek-a-boo with the little girl smiling at the grocery store! -Not only does God love it…but so does your youth…keeps you young!!