Living Simple

I've been thinking about this concept a lot lately.  I like it.  I may think about it a little differently than some though...

It seems like the common idea of living simple has to do with changing ones' schedule and the way one does life in general.  Get rid of the t.v.  Cut out extra-curricular activities.  Homeschool. No computer.  Cook from scratch.  Sew your own clothes.  Have a garden.  Etc, etc.  There seem to be a growing number of people who are looking to these types of things to simplify their lives, to find their lives more fulfilling and meaningful.

I have a few problems with this.  I like t.v.  I think my kids benefit from the extra-curricular stuff they're involved in.  Homeschool is good and appropriate sometimes, but sometimes it isn't.  I'm not sure how to turn on a sewing machine.  See my dilemma?

It's a good thing that I'm not convinced that all of these ideas are the only way to simplify and enjoy my life.  Actually, I am positive that I can have a busy life, various electronic devices and the occassional dinner of Hamburger Helper and still have a simple, satisfying life.

It's because, in my opinion, simple has less to do with the outside than it does with the inside.  If my heart is at peace, all the busy-ness doesn't have the ability to steal it.  If my heart is in turmoil, all the home-cooked food and gardening in the world will not help.

This is one of my favorite Bible verses:  "A heart at peace gives life to the body..."  Pr. 14:30.  That's so true, isn't it?  Not to be offensive to all my friends who are so into healthy eating (that's certainly not a bad thing to be into!), but I really, REALLY think that a heart at peace goes much further towards keeping me healthy than I what I do or don't eat. 

So, each day I try to start out focusing on all that is right in my world.  You know what?  There's a lot of it.  :)