INSPIRASUNS

Last night we had dinner with a few friends, well, like 70 of ’em. During the summer (the “off-season), here in SW Florida, our church works with local restaurants to host dinners. I’ve mentioned them here before. It’s a great way to support the local businesses, especially during slower times, and our parishioners who live here full-time get to spend time together, some meeting each other for the first time. Many a new friendship has been made and fostered through these little gatherings.

We enjoyed the conversation at our table. It was a time of learning just a little bit more about each other. We talked about the small towns where we grew up, the simple times when things were much easier. The communities where everyone knew each other, watched out for the neighbors’ kids, and you helped whoever needed it. I believe someone at our table actually said, “We were blessed to live in simpler times.” I think I would have to agree with that statement.

The distractions and busyness of our days now are just that, distracting. With technology, a constant influx of news, scrolling on devices, and the many other things that clog our day, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. We tend to not enjoy the simpleness that life can offer.

This morning, I was thinking about living in simpler times. I thought about Jesus’ time here physically on earth with His disciples. He was so matter-of-fact in his teachings. At the end of the day, it was simple, “Follow Me”.

Maybe it’s just me, but I think we could all stand to get back to simpler lives with fewer distractions. We could stand to get back to times when we looked out for each other, knew the people in our neighborhoods and towns, and did what we could to help those who needed it.

I read this little prayer this morning, it fits right in to what I’ve been thinking.

Father, I want to be like Mary. Help me to choose You over my to-do list, intimacy over busyness, presence over performance. Even in a busy world, teach me to slow down and sit at Your feet. Let this not just be a one-time word, but a daily choice to walk in simplicity and devotion. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

Have a good day, friends. Take a little time to step back into simple. I think the Lord would appreciate it 🙂 .

1 Timothy 6:6-8
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.