Five Minute Friday: Simplicity is less about stuff and more about priorities

A fairly regular feature (I hope), Five Minute Friday is where I simply pick a topic that’s on my mind, set a timer, start with “Go”, write about it for five minutes, and end with “Done”. Editing is minimal and sometimes the thoughts are random, but it is a fun writing discipline. Enjoy!
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Go.

My dining room table is an indication of a life out of control. Upon it’s surface rests six books, two notebooks, pens, pencils, 3 open laptops, phones, two remotes, a newpaper, a magazine, some mail and three coffee cups. This is nuts!

A microcosm of a larger issue, I decided to act upon what God has been teaching me as of late. I need to simplify.

Jesus, himself, was the great simplifier. He summed up the hundreds of laws that the Jews tried to keep into only two. Love God and Love people. Isn’t that refreshing? So, in making my decision I laid out my priorities as they reflect loving God and loving people. Then, I laid out my current commitments and tried to line them up with my priorities…and there were some that would not fit.

So, I made the decision to simplify. It was an excruciating decision, but the results of this complicated and stressful life I am currently living have not been beneficial to myself or my family. I am reducing my life to the two greatest commandments…love God and love people.

Having trouble with a friendship? Love God and love people.

Not sure how to use your time? Love God and love people.

Wondering about a job opportunity? Love God and love people.

Investment opportunities? Love God and love people.

Family issues? Love God and love people.

I am not saying that simplifying is easy, but it can make things clearer, and I am trusting Him to show me what to hang on to and what to let go.

Done.