The Why of It All

I've been slack on posting lately, for several reasons. If you've kept up with what's been going on around here, you know I've been just a little busy (CJ & I finished her playroom this weekend). Beyond that, much of what I've been learning and pondering has been intensely personal, and I'm not ready to share it with the world wide web (or even the 10 people who read my blog).

In preparing to speak on the pursuit of peace & simplicity for a ladies' function at church, I've been going back through my prayer journals and blog posts. I'm trying to pinpoint the exact time when I knew this was what God wanted from me, but there's not just one defining moment. This is an ongoing work He began in June. He has slowly pulled the veil from my eyes to show me what He wanted from me. I didn't see the why until recently.

I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?
~John 3:12 (NIV)

Even though I'd been rising early and spending wonderful time in prayer, Bible study and praise, I felt like my spiritual growth was stunted. One of many areas in my life where I was spinning my wheels and getting nowhere. If I wasn't willing to listen to God's direction on the earthly (material) things in my life, how was I going to actively believe the spiritual things He wanted to reveal to me? Several of you have most graciously credited me as being an inspiration, but I must confess that the primary reason behind all the purging has been self-serving...I want to see more of Him.

In purging the stuff, I've found:

~it's easier to serve my family (and thereby serve Him). Just the other day, R told me how nice it is to open his armoire to get clothes. He's shared how much it means to have his Pop's fedora out, and to have the ceramics that he painted proudly displayed. Our home is definitely taking on a peaceful atmosphere.

~the doorbell doesn't throw me into panic mode. Before, I would've been mortified if someone just popped in. Now, keeping things tidy is easier because I have room for things to have a designated spot. I also created a cleaning closet, which has been very helpful.

~I enjoy my family more. I'm not as overwhelmed by the undone tasks, so it's easier to relax. Making memories has become more attainable. Sunday night, we dined with our china and crystal, which I hope will become our Sunday tradition. CJ was pleased to be so elegant. Why should I reserve using these special items for holidays, when they bring such joy? My family deserves the best every day, and honestly the clean up was pretty simple.

There are still many lessons to be learned, I'm sure. Other areas in my life that need peace and simplicity. This has been the logical place to start. Once the material consumes less of my energy, I'll be able to focus on what God has in store next.

He's given me a hint of where we're headed:

I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me.
~John 5:30 (AMP)