All my life, I have wrestled with the tension between wanting a simple life and feeling pulled to do great things. My decisions have been somewhere in the middle of these two ideas, and different seasons of life have entailed leaning more towards one or the other.
This year, I've longed for more time, more rest, and more freedom to do my own thing rather then being responsible to others. But it's also been clear that this season is not about doing my own thing, so I've learned to accept commitment, responsibility, and all the stress and fatigue that come with those things.
Last week, during Homegroup, I realized that the way I live simply this year is by trusting wholly. It's worked every time I've tried it. Each week, I wonder whether I'll make it through, and somehow, I do.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I am reminded of the fact that
'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 gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.
(from the Shaker Melody, "Simple Gifts")
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