“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak”- Hans Hoffman
Simplicity is something I think about often. It is my hope that I find this going through my mind frequently because it is something that is a worthwhile goal instead of trying to make our small budget look more appealing. In my heart, I feel that it is the former. I truly love simplicity – in décor, fashion, and life in general. There is such truth in the above quote – by simplifying, doing away with what is unnecessary, we can let the things that are most important, the necessary, stand in the spotlight where we can admire and cherish it.
Before I go any further, let me be clear in saying that I do not believe that a person should not have a large house, a closet full of clothes, a long list of memberships to associations and clubs, or the like. However, what I am saying with this post is that it shouldn’t distract from being able to enjoy the blessing of plenty of storage space or the satisfaction of a job well done in the organizations of which are a part. The things in your life should still bring you joy not overwhelming stress.
In her book, Dr. Denmark Said It! Madia Bowmen speaks to this very issue. She encourages mothers to “get back to the basics,” which according to Mrs. Bowmen is finding joy in “doing a good job with the basics – clean clothes, a clean house, and nourishing food.” She basis this on the scripture, Phil. 4:9, which says, “God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Bowman, 147). God gives us just what we need and in that we can find satisfaction. It is when busyness and extracurricular activities invade the simplicity of the basics that feelings of stress and being overwhelmed can creep in and steal contentment. And it is this contentment that is extremely important to the “tranquility of your home (Bowman, 148).
How then do we change our attitude? First, let’s take a cue from those that we can learn from the most, our kids. In Matthew 18, we are taught a profound truth about how we are to be at heart. We are to be like children, who are, among other things, simplistic. They have simple faith and find beauty in the simplest object. Things aren’t complicated and confused, they are straightforward and simple.
The apostle Paul later wrote in Philippians 4, that he “learned to be satisfied with the things he had and with everything that happens.” It is here that we can find the second way to change our attitude by learning to be satisfied. This doesn’t mean that we become lazy in our approach to things. For example, taking stands against things we do not agree with or trying to change circumstances we feel is a negative influence on our loved ones. We can want things to change, but let’s try not to let that make us bitter and unsatisfied.
Lastly, a thought that can help us change our attitude is one highlighted by the author of Mommy Grace.” In her book, Dr. Sheila Coleman describes a situation that taught her how important it is to be an example in what we care about (p. 108). She warns us to show our kids, by example, what is important in life because it is what we care about that they will care about as well (p.109). We have opportunities every day to show how important it is to still find simple beauty amongst the daily rush. You may not find out what effect this had on your kids until later, but I’m pretty sure that later when they are recalling memories, a few of them will be those times when things weren’t going so well for whatever reason you had everyone stop just to admire something simple.
Again, I’m not saying that we should not want nice things or strive for success. What I am saying though is, don’t let it hinder the simple beauty that is life. Look up from the dishes to see your child smiling as he or she plays. Look past the fact that right now you live in a home that has less room than you’d like and find relief in the fact that it doesn’t take as long to clean as a bigger house. Feel the warm, comfort of your grandmother’s voice on the phone instead of being frustrated that your day was interrupted by yet another phone call. Take a break from the stove to watch your husband play with your kids while you finish up supper. Forget the fact that you will have to fight ants if you eat outside and take the family on a picnic instead of watching TV. Try to look through all the clutter that life brings and see the simple beauty that is still there.
“Simple Gifts” by Joseph White
Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
Resources:
Bowman, Madia L. Dr. Denmark Said It!: Advice to Mothers from America's Most Experienced Pediatrician. [M. Bowman]: Cumming, Ga., 2001. Print.
Coleman, Sheila Schuller. Mommy Grace: Erasing Your Mommy Guilt. New York: Faith Words, 2009. Print.
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