Yesterday we had a rough thunderstorm pass through our area in the early evening. When it ended, the sun's weaning light left the landscape bathed in a strange, almost eerie yellow-green hue. It was intriguing, so I went out on my porch to observe it further. The atmosphere of the outdoors following the storm was calm. The birds were singing praises to their Creator, lightning bugs (or fireflies, if you prefer) were making my yard glisten with their intermittent beauty, and the breeze sweetly ruffled my hair and filled my lungs with its peace. In two words, it was beautifully simple.
As I silently pondered the stillness and serenity surrounding me, I found my place. I thought about how this must have been what the Garden of Eden was like... to an extent. Psalm 46:10 - one of my favorites (and in my favorite version) - came to mind: "Cease striving and know that I am God." (NCV) I think that all of us, deep down, want to live a simpler life. We really and truly want our daily bread, our humble abode, the clothes on our back to be enough. This is what I want. I want to cease striving. I want to be still. I want to get out of the American rat race for more money, more power, more space, more food, more clothes, more stuff, more more more! I want more of God. He is the only One who will satisfy.
I am thankful that God led us to this study. I am thankful for the chance to simplify my life and let God be in charge again. I am thankful He led me to my sweet friend who is willing to sludge through the trenches with me and share the ups and downs throughout the daily grind. As Dawn said, this feels like only the beginning. I am praying for continued lessening of myself and continued strengthening of my walk and relationship with my God and, subsequently, my family and friends.
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