I'm beginning to redefine what “The Simple Life” means to me, especially after a few days away from my real life. My vacation with my husband wasn't simple in some ways. We did stay in a fancy nice hotel in Palm Springs, CA (not a cabin in the woods) and we definitely had to spend some money to get there (CA's not cheap) and we rode on a plane to get there (not a horse and buggie). So in those ways the past few days weren't simple.
But in many other ways they were simple. I got to walk around under the beautiful sky holding hands with my husband. We enjoyed long bike rides together. We watched a little TV. We sat by the pool. I laid in a sauna. I prayed. I felt the tension of life fall from my body. I got to “be” instead of all that “doing”.
The pleasures were simple.
Sometimes I get caught up in wanting my life to be simpler but is it in the wrong way? Is this just another way of not being content with the life the Father has given me? You know, kind of like wanting more, but in reverse?? This is the life The Father has given me. Yes, I have choices within that life but the last few days have redefined what simple means to me. The pleasures I enjoyed were simple.
I'm not a soap maker or a homesteader or a wheat grinder (although I want friends who are)
. I am a mom of 4 who homeschools two while keeping up with a toddler and sending one to Montessori school. I often struggle just to keep the kids alive, the household running and some type of budget in place. I have a husband God has gifted with a wonderful job that allows for trips like the one we just took (though not all the time). I am NOT superwoman, supermom OR superwife.
I'm just a soldier marching through the battlefield we call life.
Do I trust God to care for my children so I can take time away? Do I trust Him to provide for the time away? Am I grateful when I receive it? Do I take the time when presented OR do I too often act the martyr………?
“Oh, I can't leave my kids.”
“It's too much trouble.”
“How can we afford it?”
“What would others think?”
“How could I ask others to care for MY kids?”
Hmmmmm………..
Simple.
Maybe simple is just the acceptance of what God has gifted me with and using those gifts however he calls me to use them.
Jesus rested.
Julie needs rest.
Jesus took time away.
Julie needs time away.
Simple……..
THOUGHTFULLY IN HIM,
Julie
Julie, your vacation sounds so relaxing. I’m glad you were able to get away and just be. I’m also glad you shared the sunny pictures with us 🙂
As I get older, I feel less and less “guilty” for needing time alone and some space to recharge. That’s just how I’m made and what I need. I’m “on” a great deal of the time and it’s OK to need that, occasionally. Glad you feel the same.
your vacation is making me wistful!
I to find myself wanting the simple life at times and then the Lord shows me where I am at and gives me just this feeling I can not explain, but it is a good feeling of light heartedness in my soul.
Thank you again for sharing your heart.
Have a wonderful day,
Christina
So glad to hear that you SIMPLY enjoyed your time away with Tripp.
You have given me a LOT to think and pray about. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this post.
What beautiful pictures. Sounds like a wonderful vacation. I like your thoughts on the simple life. I saw a comment of yours on Amber’s sight, so I came to check you out. I am raising three knights and a princess, too.
Julie:
(((HUG))) I am so glad you and your DH had such a wonderful and rejuvenating time. You’re right, we do need time to re-energize. God gave us a job to do, and although it would be nice to say we can do any job 24/7, 365 for 20+ years without a break….it isn’t humanly possible….just as the Word tells us. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on your trip and how it helped you, your DH and your family.
Welcome Home!
Michelle
Julie, I so enjoyed reading this and I totally kwym!!! = )
Okay, so all of your great pics are making me want to take a vacation of our own….. ; )