Pages

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Simplify! Simplify!

Is there any way to simplify this time of year? Please say yes. During the holiday season our lives get as complicated as a New York subway. We find ourselves going from one event to another, caught in traffic and shopping crowds. Our joy fades into a fog of wrapping gifts, decorating the house, and writing Christmas cards. Sometimes we spend money we don't have on things we don't need to impress people we don't like.

Visit a grave yard or a junk yard and you'll discover the things that matter are not the things we think are important. So what is the answer? Henry David Thoreau said it perfectly, "Simplify! Simplify!" Translated at Christmas, it means spending less and giving more of yourself instead of stuff.

Mary and Joseph loved God, but when they went to the temple, they gave two doves for a sacrifice instead of a lamb. They lived within their means and gave what they had even though they were poor. Jesus gave all He had-His life-so we could live with Him in His kingdom. Can we follow these great examples?

Lord Jesus, help me to simply my life now and in the coming year. Show me how to love you and others better by giving more of myself and less of things. I love you. Amen.

2 comments:

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

Thanks Sue, for this timely reminder. Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

Sue Tornai said...

Thank you for stopping by. See you tomorrow. :)