Chapter 8 – Simplifying – Part 2

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Exercise 2: Thinking About What Matters

Take one or two items from the list you made in Exercise 1 and address the following:

1.      Why is this important to me?

a.     Books – I have always enjoyed books. They give me an opportunity to escape, relax, think differently, be someone else, expand my mind, enjoying quiet.

b.     “Performing” – I have only recently discovered how exhilarating and rewarding being in front of people can be especially when I am entertaining them and they are engaged. I also secretly like to make people laugh.

2.     Am I spending the kind of time and energy I’d like focusing on this? If not, why not? What is getting in the way?

a.     Books – I think that I would always want to read more. Rarely do I get tired or bored and wish or choose to put the book down. I think I rarely get to that point because I am usually interrupted and taken away from my reading. I don’t often get the chance to get to a natural stopping spot. Interruptions and life are in the way.

b.     “Performing” – I am always looking for opportunities to do it more. There are not a lot of opportunities offered. There are limited chances. I am not exactly in the right occupation to use it. What gets in the way tends to be requirements and less chance to be creative. I love to be given a starting point and then run with it.

3.     What in my life or my schedule would I be willing to change or give up in order to start paying more attention to this significant aspect of my life?

a.     Books – I don’t think I can feasibly give up anything more in order to spend more time with my books. I don’t think it is actually a good idea. In fact, if I didn’t have the job that I do, I do not think I would be as thorough in my reading… I would read my favorite 4 authors over and over and over again.

b.     “Performing” – I’ve thought of changing careers. But a degree is no guarantee. I’m not quite willing to move either. I think I should enjoy and appreciate the opportunities I do get. Consider making my own opportunities in my current environment. And pay more attention on my other priorities.

I think I give an awful lot to those things I enjoy doing. I need to spend more time in the home doing what should be my priority. I’m discovering that I keep myself busy in order to avoid other things. I have no reason to be this busy. I can easily simplify especially with a little cooperation.

I am excited for the summer. My girls are bigger and they love to help. And then there is the pool … We’re going to make some changes. And simplify our clutter. I think that will be a huge priority. With a few required reading hours … and time to create…

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?”

Mark 4:13 (ESV)