Yes, I am a small town girl...or better yet, "smaller town than Orlando" kinda girl. Because I live in a bigger city, there are LOTS of things to do. Because I go to a church with lots of other moms my age with kids, there are plenty of opportunities to hang out with friends, be invited to an event, and/or attend birthday parties. My sister just recently asked me (when I told her I auditioned for "Wheel of Fortune") about my life in the "fast lane" here in Orlando. She said, "how do you get to do all this stuff?" Well, my only answer is...I live in a big city with lots of opportunity. And remember how a friend just recently challenged me about my simple life? Yeah, it's not too simple is it? It really has been hard to keep it simple.
I do believe that "simple" is different for each person. To some, "simple" might mean only 1 theme park a week. Or to some it could be cutting back to only volunteering 30 hours a week at a local food bank. And to others it could be living life on a farm and growing their own vegetables (which I think would be AWESOME). But, for me, I am ready to change my pace quite a bit. I'm ready to try a little harder. I'm okay being different. I'm okay with living life at a slower pace. And I may be turning down an offer to take my kids to a play or a movie every now and then. I don't have to live up to the "fast life" mentality that this city has to offer. Yes, I would love that home in the country with my privacy fence. But, since I'm not living that dream yet (and may never), I'm going to make it a lot more simpler than it is now.
You may be tired of hearing me grumble and complain over this "simple life" than I can't seem to obtain. But, hey, it's a process and I never thought it would be instant! And I don't want to give up. I believe that the Lord has called our family to take a break from the busyness and rest in Him. I'm not sure exactly what it's going to look like. But, I don't want our life to be so caught up in this hectic pace that we don't have time to give God the time that He deserves. I want to allow God’s presence to slow us down so that we can worship Him and discover the purpose He has for our family.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Blessings,
Jaime
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Setting a New Pace
Posted by Largaespada Family at 11:09 AM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
6 comments:
Jaime, It is a challenge to learn to be still...I know that one well. You will never regret it though. Busyness will steal the life right out of you. Learning to stay home a just "be" is harder, but far more rewarding...all this encouragement from a reformed livelifeatasuperfastpacedmom :) Keep trying!
I have definitely found that I enjoy the days that we just relax and play outside all day way better than the days we are trying to rush out the door to get somewhere.
The problem with that is when we play all day outside and neglect school. I keep trying to figure out how to do school outside. I am not one of those super creative homeschool moms.
I think the finances and economy have also helped us all to live more simply. Sometimes, the choice is made for us.
I do think I will continue to try and find balance the rest of my life. I'm pretty sure we never completely "get it".
I really struggle with this too. Everytime time I simply enough things in my life to breath a little I fill it back up with more than I started with.
Jaime,
Good thoughts! It really is a journey that only happens one step at a time. Here's a thought for you:
Carey, the girls and I live on that farm you dream of, grow our own veggies and it is a head ache. We have just put it on the market and if/when it sells we intend on buying a large camper (for cash) and living in it for a few years. Do some traveling, major volunteer work and de-stress and de-clutter for a season. I'm hearing you on the desire for simplicity. Keep taking those steps!
I know that I don't post comments much but I REALLY am glad you started your blogs.(and so proud of you too.)
This is a huge challange, trying to be simple can be a lot of work.
Praying for you as you continue to work towards your goal.
Post a Comment