What do I mean by simplicity? I mean uncluttered in belongings, streamlined routines, getting rid of the unnecessary, evaluating wants vs. needs.
And it's hard!
Culture tells us, more. More. MORE.
It shouts it on t.v., appeals to us in pretty ads in magazines and online. But it's all just stuff. Stuff to draw us away from the here and now.
I am really happy to live in the current time, technology and modern living. But, I want my kids to be rich in experiences, traditions, and healthy rhythms. I want them to know that their contentment lies in their faith, not in this world. I want them to celebrate the liturgical calendar, learn to love and serve The Lord and others. I want them to find heroes in the Saints, not in pop culture icons.
Does that mean my kids don't have any toys or games, of course not! We are careful about what we buy, and what we expose them to. Their souls are OUR responsibility, and we don't take that lightly!
Does that mean they never watch television? No, it means we choose the quality of programming, and it's limited to PBS, EWTN, and streaming Netflix.
Does that mean we don't like to have nice clothes? No, it means we buy used, and save the difference (I learned that line from Michelle Duggar, but I learned to thrift from my mom). We have nice clothes, name brands even, we just don't buy new (with the exception of underwear and one pair of shoes per season).
I, personally, will struggle with not wanting to buy stuff for the new baby. I *want* a new wrap, new swaddle blankets, new cloth diapers. Actually, we have very few *needs*, the only thing that comes to mind is a carseat, because I sold our last one. I *want* a new outfit for her to come home in, but she'll come home in what Molly and Maisy did.
Evaluating needs is a struggle. I'm going to use this Lenten season to explore it more. I'm challenging myself to use up what is in our pantry before running to the store. I'm going through closets and donating what we don't use or need. I'm purging our toys and books.
Simplifying feels good, giving things away feels good.
Everyone's path to holiness is different. For me, when life is cluttered with stuff, I have a hard time focusing on the eternal. I know I'm not alone, either.
What do you do to simplify? What areas of your life need simplifying? Challenge yourself, go through your closet and donate unwanted items. Challenge yourself, How long can you go without spending any money?
I'd love to hear your comments.
I feel like we're constantly fighting little clutter and I really strive to have "a place for everything and everything in it's place", but kind of fail.
ReplyDeleteI try to go thru things to donate 2-3 times a year. Though I'm having trouble with kids clothes and toys because I really want more kids and don't want to have to buy it all again!
Have you ever read Simplicity Parenting? It's my go-to when I feel overwhelmed by the "stuff" the world tells me I need for my kids!
Us too, constant battle.
DeleteI have read Simplicity Parenting, it gave me that final push to get rid of toys that I was hanging on to.
Thanks for your comment.
This is great, Amanda!!! I had another homeschooling momma tell me, right before I had my first, "less stuff - MORE people." She encouraged me to de-clutter my life in EVERY way so that I could spend more time LOVING the PEOPLE in my life... including God! This is a beautiful reminder. Thanks for sharing your <3 XO
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Brittany. I have to constantly remind myself of that "people before things".
Delete"Evaluating needs is a struggle. I'm going to use this Lenten season to explore it more."
ReplyDeleteIt's a total struggle for me, too- mostly because I tend towards extremes. My husband has to stop me from going on a cleaning/purging rampage sometimes! Our overall goal *is* simplicity and living authentic lives that glorify Christ. As part of that, we do buy used/discounted items BUT we also use the old adage "quality over quantity". It's difficult, because we're so cheap (for good reason!) but a lot of the time investing in something we really do want/need is better than substituting a whole lot of clutter for it. You know?
Exactly!! Thanks for your comment.
DeleteThank you for this! I have the same sentiments for simplicity. I have always been a firm believer that a child raised in simplicity will grow up to be more responsible, God-fearing, self-confident and happy.
ReplyDeleteOne of my goals for the year is to go room by room and sell/donate/get rid of things we don't use. We have so much "stuff." Where do you find your kids clothes? I like Flip Flop, but I can't get jeans there. My kids go through jeans so fast, if I don't buy them new, they don't last at all. =(
ReplyDeleteWhere do you donate? I have piles of stuff to donate, but I don't have time to go through and look at the quality off it. I just need to have somewhere to take it and they will use what they want and do whatever they want with the rest.
I make a list of what they "need" for the season, I shop garage sales, St. Vincent De Paul, R Kids, and I get hand me downs from a few people. Jeans are tough, especially in the sizes they are in. I donate to Asbury Methodist, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent de Paul, sometimes I'll call AmVets and they pick it up.
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