I’ve joined 4.6 million people who probably set a goal to simplify for 2018. You too? What does that look like? Today, I’m considering how I am simplifying this year. Keep reading–the steps might surprise you!
Let’s starting with what it means to simplify. Simplify means making stuff simple. Simple? (Say that word enough times and it really looks odd, doesn’t it?)
Put simply: less mess. Fewer complications.
I like simple things. Clear countertops, not a lot of clutter everywhere, clean inbox, simple schedule, fresh and simple meal-planning. All of that.
And honestly, some days I have simple, thanks to this reminder from Proverbs:
A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.
Proverbs 13:7 (The Message)
Other days, well, it’s just really complicated and there is nothing simple about anything anywhere. Those parts of life that really matter–like family, friends, loving, and serving–sometimes turn inside out and upside down and complicated enters like a three-headed beast who was definitely not invited to the party.
Unfortunately, life can’t always be simple, but there are things that are within our control. And those things, we can make simple to make room for the inevitable complicated messes.
So as I’m learning about this whole simplify thing, I’m trying to simplify my process of simplifying (that word sounding weird yet?). Here are five easy steps for simplifying things this year:
- Pray first.
- Then simplify the things I can control like how many to-do’s are on my daily task list. No, I probably shouldn’t have twenty-two items for Monday morning because the moment it’s on my list, I feel compelled to cross it off even if it means shoving aside something that matters more.
- Roll with the complicated messes that inevitably fill the countertops and the hours of the day. Those things I can’t control.
- Pray.
- Give thanks for all of it.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
Today, I’m joining Five-Minute Friday.
