When I started writing this challenge as a way to force myself to think through the principles presented in the book Living More with Less, I wondered if I would get bored. 16 weeks, that’s 4 months! I can say that I haven’t gotten bored, and I have found it meaningful as a personal exercise.
This shouldn’t surprise me; I grew immensely as a result of my Food & Faith Challenge last year. Part of the reason I haven’t grown bored is because even though it’s 16 weeks on the topic of simple living, it seems divided into different sections. First we talked about the principles, then some small steps, and now it seems as though we are now entering a season in which to think about some bigger steps. Which is entirely appropriate, as it’s the season of Lent.
In the Recreation and Schedules chapter of Living More with Less, Longacre writes about how living with less doesn’t mean walking around with frowny faces and depriving oneself of joy; rather, it’s finding that joy in the everyday things, in small things . . . the real things.
The thing is, in order to take joy in those things, you need to notice them; which is kind of hard when you’re living at 100 mph. Therefore it’s necessary to SLOW DOWN. Lent is a good reminder of that. When we think of the suffering of our Lord, we focus on what is really important.
I’m not from a faith tradition that “gives up” things for Lent, although over the years I have given up chocolate, wine (that was hard!), and smoking. This year, I’m going to try to give up “busy-ness.” Take control over my recreation, my schedules, my time, my planner. Focus on the things that really matter and let the rest go.
Easier said than done, I know. Especially with . . . but wait, you’ve heard my excuses. You’ve heard them on my Fitness Friday posts and my Simple Living posts, and you’ve probably told yourself the same ones.
I forget where I heard this tip, but the speaker at a conference I went to said that you need to get out your planner (assuming you still have a paper one; not sure if this would work electronically) and write NO in big letters on the inside cover. Then, whenever someone asks you to do something, you can truthfully say “I’m sorry, my calendar says no.”
One More Thing . . .
If you are still looking for Lenten inspiration, be sure to check out Christine Sine’s blog Godspace. I’ve been re-reading her books Living on Purpose and Sacred Rhythms and think you’ll really enjoy her writing.
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Wow, Wendy. Long story, but I really needed this today. I am now getting off the computer and going to spend time w/ my kids. Thanks.
Thanks for this! I have a friend with MS who recently got divorced. Talking to her a few days ago she said that her ex was trying to live for the future, always putting off their dreams, and saving money for retirement. She said she wasn’t guaranteed a future but she was able to do things now and she’s doing just that ! It made me think. None of us are guaranteed a future, and wouldn’t it be a shame to miss out on the present?
I haven’t been into giving up things for Lent in the past, but this year Lent means something new to me. I’ve been feeling a little helpless in my feeble attempts to pray for something so much larger than me. I’m so grateful for this season of renewal.