“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiates 3:1)
Confession: I tend to be a fast-paced, impatient person.
But lately I’ve been trying to slow down a little bit and change my pace to focus on what really matters.
I want to slow down enough to focus on meaningful conversations with my husband.
I want to slow down enough to enjoy a walk with our dog.
I want to slow down enough to have lunch or coffee with a friend.
I want to slow down enough to really make time for those I love.
This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. (Ecc. 5:18 NIV)
God gives us one earthly life. Why do I spend it rushing around instead of focusing on the beauty around me?
Well, because I focus on cleaning the clutter or keeping up with a busy schedule.
So I’ve decided to work on clearing the clutter so we have more room to breathe instead of clean. Too much stuff is a distraction and really just causes more work. I’m not a minimalist by any means, but I need to work on clearing out things I never use anyway.
I did a whole lot of decluttering at the beginning of the year. It was freeing and a relief to not have so much stuff sitting around. So throughout this year, I’m trying to continue to declutter.
I’ve also decided to cut out unnecessary schedule commitments so I have more time to spend on those Iove.
Because, really, at the end of the day it doesn’t matter if my house is spotless or every to-do is checked off.
It doesn’t matter if you have a perfect cleaning schedule.
It doesn’t matter if your meals are scheduled a month in advance.
It doesn’t matter if your home is beautifully organized.
Maybe those are things that might make life a little easier or things you think you should have. And it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do them – I have a freezer full of meals that I’m thankful are ready to go.
But in the end, it’s not what matters most.
What matters are the people around us. The ones God has called us to love.
So let’s make that our primary focus – loving others and enjoying the life God gives us.
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” (John 15:11 NIV)
