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Have you ever sat around with friends or family talking about the past and heard someone remark that "those were the days"? I've heard my parents say they were raised in simpler times. In fact, I'm even tempted to tell my own children that lately.

I'm old enough to remember when we didn't record, text, or blog about every facet of life. As a little girl, I often visited my Grandma who lived deep in the hills of Kentucky. In the evenings after supper, I'd help Grandma wash the dishes using spring water warmed on the stove. With the kitchen cleaned, we'd head out to the front porch to "sit a spell". Without electricity, we had no television, not even a radio. The sound of crickets chirping and the croaking frogs lulled us into a slow and easy time of relaxation.

Fast forward to today.

After work, we barrel through the drive-through at the chain restaurant, scarf down a meal, and head home. We scan a hundred or so emails while answering the jangling phone now and then. Was that ring coming from the home phone, the cell phone, or Internet phone?

We look over our unfinished "to do" list and wonder how we'll fit it all in--tomorrow.

I don’t know about you, but I don't really want to go back to the days of no electricity or running water. That kind of simple living wouldn't suit me at all. What I want, however, is to simplify my life enough to establish Godly priorities.

Jesus had a relatively short earthly ministry and he accomplished His goals in three short years. Some ask, "How"? You might say, "He's God." And of course, you are right. But Jesus spent thirty-three years in a body of flesh. He knew His life's mission; His purpose. He set goals, and made each day count.

When you live with resolve, you learn to simplify.

Jill Hart, a busy mom, has worked from home since 2000. She founded Christian Work at Home Moms (CWAHM.com) to assist other Christians who desire to work from home while maintaining a godly life. Jill says, "This past year I've been focusing on simplifying my schedule more than ever. I try to lay out each week so that every day has a main purpose: Mondays are laundry day, Tuesdays are clean-up day, etc. I also try to find quiet time each day to spend with the Lord. It can be hard with a three year old and a seven year old, but I've found that the days I neglect that time, it's so much harder to find that calm within the chaos."

As Jesus' days dwindled, He kept focused on His mission. In the first chapter of the book of Mark, we read where Jesus had an extremely busy day. He taught at the synagogue, cast an evil spirit out of a man, and then went to Simon and Andrew's home where He healed Simon's mother-in-law. That evening the whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many and drove out many demons.

The next morning, Jesus arose very early in the morning to pray. I imagine that He wanted to find calm after all the chaos.

When His disciples came looking for Him, he said, "Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come" (Mark 1:38 NIV). He already had His "to do" list and He knew His purpose.

The key to simple living is to eliminate anything that distracts us from serving God. Does taking care of your possessions and maintaining your house and cars drain you? Do you use your lack of time and energy as an excuse to miss church on Sunday? Does surfing the Internet and watching all the shows you've recorded on your DVR keep you from reading God's Word? Does chatting online keep you from talking to God?

Perhaps it's time to simplify. That doesn't necessarily mean we have to make do with less. Jesus said He came that we might have an abundant life (John 10:10). We may not have to give up the wonderful conveniences to which we've grown accustomed, but it would be wise to streamline our activities and possessions so we can better concentrate on the important things in life.

Whether young or old, parent or child, we live in a busy, fast-paced, and stressful world. We need God's help. Let's ask God each morning to help us as we plan our days, and slow down long enough to listen. Read His Word to determine His will for your life. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus promises when we come to Him, He will give us rest. When you feel overwhelmed, call on God for refreshment, and the strength to cope with the busyness of life.

Jill Hart recently reminded me, "The great thing about having a relationship with the Lord is that we can pray anytime, anywhere."

Sometimes I get so caught up in the busyness of life, I lose sight of my goal, my purpose―to serve God and share His love. Before my feet hit the floor running in the morning, I do my best to start the day talking to the Lord, thanking Him for another day to love Him, serve Him, and tell others about Him and read His Word. As my example, I look to Jesus.

What's number one on your "to do" list?

Simple Living Tip
Simply live for God. As you focus on Him and His will, your priorities will fall into place. You may find yourself doing with less simply because You want to give Him more.

About The Author
Donna J. Shepherd is the author of Topsy Turvy Land and a contributing author to Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms. From bird watching to the Beatitudes, her writing touches the heart with wisdom and humor while feeding the mind with daily portions of God's Word. Read more of her writing at Donna J. Shepherd.

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