Before I move forward in the new year I like to clarify the year I’m leaving behind. If you’re at all interested in simplifying your life or if you enjoy a bit of God’s sense of humor, hang with me for 2 minutes…
My one-word for 2012 takes the cake for irony.
When I choose the word Simplicity, I envisioned life in the clutter-free zone. Clutter-free in my home, in my mind, my schedule, everything. But some of you know that last January we started a major remodeling project on Willow Creek., our old house. The little house was turned upside down and inside out for six weeks.
Just as the dust settled, The Husband looking for one or two rental houses for us to buy, came up with another idea…buy a new house for us and rent our Willow Creek house.
We found one after lots and lots of searching. But it needed a load of remodeling! So in April we started another big remodeling project on Stone House Lane!
We slowed down on the projects at the end of October so we could enjoy the holidays but really, it was 9 months of major upheaval!
Simplicity
Perhaps I misheard. Perhaps my one-word for 2012 should have been: CHANGE.
Or maybe it should have been: METAMORPHOSIS.
Some days I was certain my 0ne-word should have been: SERIOUSLY?
But as I look back over my prayer journal, I can see God’s hand moving me…moving us to a simpler life. And all the while teaching us a little something about the cost of simplicity.
Everything, as you know, has a cost.
Here are a few of my journal entries over 2012…
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*Simplicity transposed over an issue does as much to redefine the issue as to solve it…
…furthermore, redefining the issue and solving the issue bring the same result… peace.
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*Creativity needs room to grow & simplicity is the key for making room…
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*Chaos proceeds simplicity-every time I simplify…there is a phase of purging that is full-on messy.
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Creating margins grows simplicity-margins in my time, margins with our money, margins in our physical space…most importantly perhaps, margins in my spirit.
(By margins I mean space. For example : allow space in my schedule to be early for appointments and commitments so I avoid unnecessary stress, allow space in our bank account…don’t spend everything, allow space in my spirit-I need down time. If I’m always busy my creativity dries up)
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Letting Go makes room for simplicity-
…letting go of unnecessary things, unnecessary habits (mindless tv), letting go of harmful attitudes like: unforgiveness- cynicism letting go of toxic relationships-letting go of my right to be right-
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Planning enables simplicity-
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To have simplicity in my time, I must know my priorities…to have simplicity in my surroundings I must know if I need something, use something, love something…only then can I purge the unnecessary.
***Don’t forget to ask myself: what is the legacy I want to leave…how can I live that legacy today? Will this commitment or that commitment line up with the legacy I want to leave?***
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And lastly…
Taking small steps gets me to my goal of simplicity
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And that’s what I learned so far about that delicious word: Simplicity!
If you had one, have you thought about what your one-word taught you in 2012?
Thanks for sharing the process and your life Robin. God’s depth and breadth of all knowlege continues to expand our understanding in the simplest of lessons.Blessings and continued transformation.
Tom, I love this: “God’s depth and breath of all knowledge continues to expand our understand int he simplest of lessons..” I read it over and over- so much wisdom . thx for weighing in friend.
Loved hearing what God taught you about simplicity. 🙂 It is something I see SO many people need desperately in their lives. Simplicity does equal peace. 🙂 Love your journaling. 🙂
Gina~ I have much to learn about simplicity but 12 months of focusing on that word is all I can take right now 🙂
xoxo
Thanks for letting us peep into your journal. Loved reading your thought!!I even love the way the word “Simplicity” sounds…sort of rolls off your tongue. 🙂
Surrender, my 2012 word. WOW. Brought me to my knees. Broke me. Drew me back to Him. No other way to live.
Julie, the journal is the best way to keep up with past lessons isn’t it??? xo
This is wonderful Robin thank you for sharing. Most people never really share their real thoughts. Sharing is very important today! We all need to reflect and see past the gibberish…..
Diana, thank you Honey for your encouraging words~ such a gift to me today…sending you love~
Oh, what a fabulous post and a fabulous lesson! When I think of simplifying I think of organizing and using what I already have! Giving away what I don’t use and an attitude of gratitude!
You have given me so much to think about!
Yvonne, I think you are so very organized already! You inspire me! xo
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your philosophy. Inspiring!!