I remember a friend in high school first telling me KISS–Keep It Simple Stupid. I have always remembered it as a great way to think of things. Some people change the last “S” to something more positive like silly, but I think it’s fine as is.
I have been reflecting on what simple means to me. Simplify. Do less? Do the same things differently? Say no to activities and events? Slow down? Back to basics? (whatever that means!)
There are lots of ideas to simplify out in the world. Many are valid. Slow down. Smell the flowers. Take time to make pictures. Enjoy the sights and sounds around you. Say no.
After having an extremely busy week, I am acutely aware of needing to say no. I can’t do it all. Something or someone always suffers!
Basics…to me that is about learning, growing, adapting. I am learning to knit because it is a life skill I think is timeless. I am fighting the critters to grow food for them my family. I am changing how I do laundry by making laundry soap and hanging the clothes on a line outside whenever I can. I am thoughtful about the meals I make. I fill a bird feeder and provide a bird house. Both of which are always occupied! I shop at the thrift store for almost everything…
Yesterday in church there was a point made about having so much “stuff” that we forget what we have. Matthew 4:18-19 is about not being able to be fruitful because of materialism. I think stuff does get in my way!
So today’s Pondered Proverb is:
Proverbs 30:8-9
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘who is the Lord?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.
I offer no excuse for my mess… just know I am simplifying.