We pray “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want…” Meanwhile, our hearts are packed with the trickling of wanting. How to make it stop?
It sounds so good. Getting rid of clutter, the excess. Stuff.
But, will having less make us want less?
Having less used to appear parochial to followers of Christ who abandon all to serve God.
Now, having less is going mainstream.
Spurned by a poor economy, people are riding the growing wave of goal-oriented minimalists. It’s a head turning cultural phenomenon, shedding as much as possible. People are re-evaluating what makes them happy.
We are asking,What is tying me down and how can I be free from it?
The trend to live simply is a growing expression of relieving that frustration.
Radical Changes
Just recently, I watched a video clip featuring the tiniest 96 square foot house I’d ever seen, built by Jay Shafer. He’s now making a living building these gum drop residences. People are casting aside everything to strip down to the bare essentials.
Then, there’s a website that’s cultivated a growing number of faithful followers: The 100 Thing Challenge. One couple who made changes inspired by this challenge was featured in The New York Times article last week. The young couple gave up their treadmill life of spending. They quit their jobs, relocated into a 400 square foot apartment, devoting their lives to the pursuit of meaningful experiences rather than possessions.
It got me thinking.
These people were willing to radically change to a simpler life because of happiness.
What radical changes am I willing to simplify… to pursue God?
The Catalyst
This week, we’ve been discussing the spiritual topic of waiting and how God uses the in-between time to comprise the majority of our faith walk.
The question of how to fill the lull period has been pressing on my mind. How can I stay untangled from unfulfilled desires?
Can letting go of clutter somehow be the catalyst I need?
Not exactly.
The answer came inspired by way of blogger Stephanie, The Catholic Theoress. In her provocative post about the role of possessions, she was reminded of the contemplative life of prayer by Walter Burghardt.
“One of the pieces of advice Burghardt gives is:
Fourth, learn to let go, to not possess, to let experiences and things be ephemeral.
Most of us are conditioned when we see something beautiful–a sunset, a flower, a cute puppy, or our own children–to take a picture.
The contemplative life savors the moment, but lets it pass.”
For those of us who walk by faith, even experiences were never meant to fulfill us.
No, not even the ones we want so badly.
One Possession
It became plain and simple to me. I can get so caught up trying to capture life, I miss the moments to simply live life with Jesus.
If we are to live godly lives, we must remember Jesus.
Jesus is the One we want to possess.
He is the only reason why we would let go of anything.
If we were to stop long enough to really want Him, He would be the prize we’d dump everything for. Just to savor His touch and His words.
Don’t get me wrong, my blog bio confesses I’m a recovering pack rat. Seeing a cleared counter and floor space can be euphoric.
But, I’m reminded —
Decluttering possessions to pursue happiness is a far cry from godliness.
Decluttering our priorities, so that God can possess us in the Word and in prayer? Irrevocably… Life… Changing.
Will having less make us happy? Maybe. For the moment.
Will learning to let go — to “let it pass” — fill us with Jesus? Yes.
~~~~~
Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;
For bodily discipline is only of little profit,
but godliness is profitable for all things,
since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
~~~~~
What radical changes have you made to simply life — in order to pursue Jesus?
Share your thoughts.
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40 Comments
Influenced by Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s (“Gift from the Sea”) comments about the ART of SHEDDING, I had a difficult parting with my book stash a week or so ago. (See http://wp.me/pmU9D-4ws) But it was very freeing. I think my clinging to stuff interferes with my ability to move out into things He is calling me to. I’m not talking about extreme minimalism, but c’mon, “Is THIS stuff serving any purpose He has for me at this time?” Good post, Bonnie!
.-= Marilyn Yocum´s last blog ..Tomato Pie =-.
Thank you for passing on the link, Marilyn. “It is like a wake or a viewing. This saying goodbye.” Reminded me of Paul’s “I consider all things garbage, compared to knowing Christ.”
Great post! God is constantly teaching me to make HIM my greatest treasure. Not stuff or comfortable situations. This was really brought home during my husband’s 3 month time of unemployment over the past year. I’m so grateful for that time of really finding out that God is what I need most and seeing him provide in amazing ways for practical needs too.
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..Lazy Day Duff =-.
So awesome you can look back and see these three months as a treasure hunt that ended with God as the prize! So encouraging. God is real!
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jason Stasyszen, HisFireFly, SandraHeskaKing, Maureen Doallas, Cassandra Frear and others. Cassandra Frear said: RT @TheBonnieGray: New Post– Would You Be Happier With Less? http://bit.ly/dCgvdJ Does having less make us want less? […]
I read and enjoyed the NTTimes article, forwarded it my husband, and talked about it with him several days ago.
Simplifying is good. It can make room for a better life. We do have to be careful how we fill up the new empty space, however. And we should think carefully about WHY we are downsizing and WHAT our desired goal really is.
For example . . . If we have children, we need to make a place for them. It isn’t about having less, it’s about having meaningful lives and rich relationships.
.-= Cassandra Frear´s last blog ..Window Views =-.
“we should think carefully about WHY we are downsizing and WHAT our desired goal really is. ” EXACTLY. The activity might look similar on the outside, but the hidden motivation is what sets faith apart from not.
This is so timely for me. I start vacation (actually a “staycation”) on Monday. I have been wondering what I should do with myself during this time off from my regular schedule. My first priority is spending time with Jesus. I’m talking quality time – not the usual quick “good morning Lord, please be with me today” while I brush my teeth time.
Your words -“If we were to stop long enough to really want Him, He would be the prize we’d dump everything for. Just to savor His touch and His words” – really spoke to my heart as I read them. I love being busy, but realize I need to “stop long enough”. Thank you Bonnie, once again your words are used by the Lord to speak a needed truth into my life. Be blessed! ~Debbie
— “not the usual quick ‘good morning Lord, please be with me today’ while I brush my teeth time.”
I ran smack into this encouragement from God this week myself. It was SO worth it.
I’m so excited for you, Debbie!! God must really have something DEEP and INTIMATE, waiting to share. Just.with.you.
Bonnie! I was drawn to this initially because I am in a de-cluttering season of my own. We recently moved back to the mainland and while I de-cluttered in Hawaii, I have since found more things that need to go. I always feel less burdened with less stuff. But you remind me that de-cluttering our hearts and letting “it” pass is what brings about real life change. I loved this!
.-= Kristen@Moms Sharpening Moms´s last blog ..SUMMER DAZE =-.
How IS it going, Kristen!? Are you going island fever… except fever missing the island? 🙂 Love seeing your bright, shiny smile!
“Simplifying is good. It can make room for a better life. We do have to be careful how we fill up the new empty space, however. And we should think carefully about WHY we are downsizing and WHAT our desired goal really is.
. . . It isn’t about having less, it’s about having meaningful lives and rich relationships.”
Cassandra Frear
Some of us need extra “stuff”, as for example, the artist needs lots of materials, may have lots of objects taking up space that seem utterly useless to others, but might become a project later on; the writer lots of books and accouterments. Some “stuff”, such as a freezer full of food purchased on sale or in season, though it takes a lot of time to prepare it, is a good investment for the future.
I have a lot of “stuff” that’s not very valuable, but each piece evokes memories of the persons who gave things to me or why I bought thrift store items to remind me of special events or people.
On the other hand, I come across blogs where people are bragging about how God has given them “things” (that I perceive to be unneeded?) A lady said she told her husband she just HAD to have new earrings and necklace to go with a certain dress, then when he surprised her by buying her the perfect set she admired, she quoted how true it was that we need “take no thought for the morrow, what you should eat or wear…” And I went– “huh?” Have seen other Christians raving about how much they love to shop, how many pairs of shoes they have, and then building a so-called spiritual devotional about that. Making me wonder if such persons are out of touch with how many really poor people, needy people, are out there who don’t even have one good pair of shoes, or the money for shopping sprees.
It’s not that we have stuff — though if clutter becomes a burden, then yes, we probably have too much stuff — it’s that we don’t want to let stuff own us! Can we be contented with what we have? Can we find ways to share what we have? Can we see God’s hand in us, instead of our possessions.
But some people amass friendships, or success, or “image” for all the wrong reasons. Their lives are just as cluttered. If it’s a matter of pride to live in a small house, if it earns brownie-points to have simplified life, then it’s not simple after all.
How may we be set free to notice large and small things of life? To see the needs of others, to pray for them and if possible, to help them in other ways. Liberated from any pride or self-amassing attitudes? Set free from the tyranny of the urgent, the majoring in the minors? How may we relax and let God in to remake us from the inside?
Simplicity. God in me. Setting me free to grow more like Christ. “Godliness with contentment is gain.”
“if it earns brownie-points to have simplified life, then it’s not simple after all.” Bam. I think you just hit a home run here.
“Godliness with contentment is *great* gain.” 1 Tim 6:6 is a perfect companion verse to add to this post. Thank you!
What a great post, Bonnie. It’s like the reverse of Jesus saying “what good is it for a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul” and a lot like Paul saying “if I give all I possess to the poor… but have not love, I gain nothing.”
We can simplify and find some happiness, but it doesn’t fill the void of knowing our Creator and Savior. It can also be a self-protection (I’ll get rid of it before it’s taken away) and become an object of pride (I live on so much less than all those other debt-riddled idiots).
For us as Christians, it all comes down to Him. Whatever I have has to be submitted to Him. Whatever I lose is not of great concern because it was in Him in the first place. Wonderful things to meditate on. Thanks again.
.-= jasonS´s last blog ..Light Friday Hit List- 8-13-10 =-.
“It can also be a self-protection (I’ll get rid of it before it’s taken away) and become an object of pride (I live on so much less than all those other debt-riddled idiots). ”
Wow Jason. This is SO insightful. I had never thought if it this way. It hits the heart behind the intention. Another hit out of the ball park.
awesome post, Bonnie.
this is a learning experience for me right now…to be content in Him…to know He IS all I a have. I think I learned the hard way, although to some, I still live in luxury. When I left my career we lost 60% of our income. Then another 10% when my husband was furloughed….somehow God has provided. I am amazed at how much we still have….and how much I can go without.
I kept telling my husband we were surrendering it all car, possessions, money…and he said, we didn’t surrender it. It was taken away. God is stripping us…and refining us….because he’s want to deal with the income and possessions of my (our) heart first…
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..My Praying- Traveling Heart =-.
What an amazing twist and turn your path has taken you, Melissa. It’s true, if left to us, we’d prefer learning in theory than in practice. 🙂
I sometimes feel like I “have to give up” experiences that are “normal.” I realize God sets boundaries for our safety and have learned this personally several times. However, I wish my faith was strength to say I’m not tempted with the thoughts of doing things my friends do “normal” college or 20-somethings thinks like party hard.
Jennifer
You are putting your faith into action, Jennifer. Being tempted doesn’t mean you don’t have faith. Jesus Himself was tempted. You are wise and beloved. You have access to real friendship & laughter –things others who “party hard” really wish to experience, their true thoughts & feelings.
Sometimes we all need reminding that in Jesus we have the greatest treasure ever given. I know I need to get rid of some of the excess in my life and focus more on him.
Thanks, Sara!
Bonnie, I recently HAD TO let go of many possessions. I didn’t have much 0f a choice due to financial necesssity. I now live in a much smaller place with minimal furniture temporarily. Since I don’t know what the next step will be, this works best for now. However, the garage is filled with boxes. And do you know what? I almost cannot remember what’s in all those boxes. For me, it takes steps of getting rid of stuff.
In the midst of these changes, I’ve discovered that my relationship with Christ has grown. I lean on Him for everything. No person can fullfill and take care of all my needs and ‘wants’. But the more I abide in Him, the less I find that I NEED. He is sufficient.
I still remember my beautiful home and occasionally feel sad. I’m human. But I am also looking forward to the next season in my life and it will be one where I am listening to the Lord. I continue to work and to prepare but I’ll leave the end result to Him. After all, He knows more about my desires that I do. He knows my heart.
Happier with less? As long as it includes my Lord.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
.-= Debbie´s last blog ..TSMSS I Love You Lord =-.
The hope and confidence you have gained is undeniable. Thanks for sharing your blessings.
I realized that every time I got “something”, I wanted the next bigger, better “something”. Brought me to a place where I needed to evaluate what is that “void” I’m trying to fill. Thankfully, Christ filled that void and though, I am still trying to simplify my life, I am so exceedingly, abundantly, filled with Someone far more rewarding. Thanks for this post, we all need to recalibrate our lives on a daily basis.
Abundance – what a great word to pair with simplicity that is from God. It is a daily calibration.
Great post, Bonnie! This is definitely giving me something to think about tonight. Thank you!
Thanks!
My husband and I live in a 400 square foot house, and just yesterday I was thinking about how thankful I am. Less space, means less stuff to clutter it with.
We also live overseas which absolutely brings out the pack-rat in me. Because we can’t just run to Target and get another of whatever, it makes me want to hoard things for “someday”. When, I should know by now, that God is our provision–even in the little things. If we need it, He’ll supply it.
God is in tune with our “someday” piles, big and small. So neat to have you here virtually, Katie, all the way here from S.Africa! I read your story – how amazing God orchestrated that path!
This is really wonderful Bonnie and so much more meaningful (truly) than the idea of shedding “objects” for happiness. I want to give this some thought because to throw something out there and not follow through is meaningless. Thanks for the good stuff, my friend 😀
.-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..Open Doors and Fresh Breezes =-.
The Tim 4:7-8 godliness verse has been doing a number on me, too. 😉 Great encouragement on building on the rock, Kristine… the hearing and doing…
My mother used to take pictures of EVERYTHING. Blowing out birthday candles were relit because mom forgot to snap the picture in time. Everywhere we went that camera came out and as proven by the book shelves of neatly organized photo albums no one ever goes through taking pictures seems like what Burghardt said, “Fourth, learn to let go, to not possess, to let experiences and things be ephemeral. Most of us are conditioned when we see something beautiful–a sunset, a flower, a cute puppy, or our own children–to take a picture.
The contemplative life savors the moment, but lets it pass.”
There were many times I forgot a camera when the sunset was right or when we went on a short trip and I forgot my camera. I found not taking pictures helped me to experience life better. I’m not saying not to take pictures. I think it’s nice. But I think pictures printed out can clutter, too.
.-= Nikole Hahn´s last blog ..Light Your Candle =-.
Can we enjoy a moment without capturing it? It’s a provocative question.
outstanding Bonnie–thank you again for a Life-provoking blog
Thanks, Jeanne!
Interesting thought – how will we make room in our lives to have time to nuturue a real relationship with God? Years ago I restructured my life to have more time with God- I’m still making more time during the day so I can have that stillness within to truly hear the spirit’s voice — it is truly the path to life and true fulfillment.
Rachel
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Abiding in God’s Love =-.
Rachel, you have something SO priceless. I bet you’re seasoned with the salt of God’s presence and people get “thirsty” just spending time with you — thirsty for spiritually more!
It seems that the real goal isn’t just letting go, but letting go and embracing God.
Well said and timely post Bonnie.
I couldn’t have said it any better!
Hi Bonnie, just found your site and I’m loving the postings I’ve read so far. Thought I’d share because this is so timely. I don’t have a lot of ‘stuff’, my belongings could fit into a large closet, (plus a bed) because I’ve moved a lot. But, I have had a long list of things I “needed” to do and to be, and most of the things on that list did not come from my heart and soul. This past year I moved to London from NYC to fulfill what I thought was one of my lifelong dreams, and I was miserable. It was so painful to realize that the life I had envisioned myself leading and that I’d planned for would not bring me the happiness or rewards I truly wanted. I planned to stay living in England forever and travel and do BIG IMPORTANT things.
Well, it was here that I met Jesus Christ. He has filled my heart. I was introduced to him through my flatmates who shared their love for Jesus through their acts of sharing and love. I am moving home in two days, and it is the first steps I have taken in faith. I have no ‘plan’ (terrifying) other than to get up each day and find the work the Lord wishes me to do that day. I am praying to find a community of faithful friends to fill my heart and time with and support me in the journey and to help me express the ‘new’ me to those who wish me to remain who I was before. I know this is a long response, but I feel like reading this, and finding the incourage community today was God’s answer to my prayers yesterday. I will connect. I am supported in the journey. Much love and blessings to you and your family.