Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The desire for less.

A few weeks ago I found myself in quite a tizzy. Life has been moving at a warping speed here lately and I have been forgetful, stressed and even a little edgy because it seems like no matter what I do, I just can't keep up!

The laundry never stops, the homework never ends, the fights between these girls are getting louder and more intense and more and more often a girly stops to ask me a tough question. Harder than the, "Mommy why is the sky blue?" type questions.

We seem to always need more milk, more bread and more cereal. There is always one more phone call to return, one more e-mail to respond to and one more errand to run. Always.

More, More, More.

And for probably the first time in my life my heart is filled with a pure desire for less.

Because I've realized now that I am nine years into this motherhood thing that the more there is to do, the more little people running through the house, the more places to go the less time there is for my God.

Sometimes I think we think that when we are busy for God that we are on the right track. I don't think we could be more wrong in this type of thinking. In fact I would dare to say that believing such a mis-shaped truth can only lead to failure in our walks with Christ.

Taylor, my oldest is such a perfectionist. And she sets such high goals and expectations for her life. I love that she is so ambitious but I'm afraid that she's going to miss out on the simple things of life because she's reaching for the extraordinary so often. Taylor gets things done, that is for sure though.

Kennedy my youngest is the same way. She's just got that high drive to be first, the best and to succeed in EVERYTHING she does. Whether it's learning to roller skate or painting her nails perfectly, she won't stop until it's just right. Kennedy is just perfected drama, there is no other way to describe her. {wink}

But my middle girly Hope, for some reason she has discovered this absolute truth of ,"less is more" in her short lived life of 7 years. She is the one who takes the time to leave me a note on my pillow that just says, "Good-night". Hope is the only one who will just randomly come up and give me a hug or say, "I love you."

Sure she too holds a wee bit of drama in her soul, but what girl on this earth doesn't? Her many art projects for people often get under my skin with all the spread of paper and glue and glitter...have mercy for the glitter....but I realize that is her way to show the world that she cares.

The other day I was in the midst of a day where everything seemed to need "more" attention. I was frustrated, stressed and just tired when I heard a ding on my computer which meant I had a new e-mail. So, I walked over to the computer expecting it to be something "more" I needed to respond to, but it wasn't.

In fact it was an e-mail from Hope's teacher that simply said: :) . Yes, a smiley face. Well, then I noticed that there was a file attached so I began to open it expecting it to be some message about how I forgot to pay this or how this book is overdue.

But instead, up on my computer screen popped up this beautiful picture that Hope made in computer lab that day:




And at that moment, it was as if God stepped inside of my home and pulled my eyes to that picture and said, "Love a little more simple today. Love the sunshine that I gave you. Love the cool air and the flowers. And enjoy the peace that comes with the desire for less. Quit making life so complicated and just make it simple."

Tears flooded me and I shut that computer down, walked away from the laundry, left the toys on the floor and took Kennyboo to the park. And I didn't even bring my cell phone! We just enjoyed, simple life. And it felt good!

I am challenged to desire less more and more. And I am challenged to love simply. Not everything we do in life has to be an over the top experience. It's the simple things that we should enjoy the most. And I'm thankful for the simple seven year old girl who has taught me this lesson.

Be blessed my friends, less is more.

14 comments:

Terri Tiffany said...

Wonderful post! I love that her teacher took the time to do that for you:) You are surrounded by blessings!

Lelia Chealey said...

Got tears in my eyes friend. I love that part..I didn't even take my cell phone. I'm often amazed at how our society is so attached to communication with everyone else, but those in our daily presence. Myself included.
Well...you have given me a challenge I didn't have 5 minutes ago. THANK YOU! :)
love,
Lelia

Lelia Chealey said...

P.S. When I first looked at her picture, I thought "how sweet, she drew a cross at the top of the house, she knows she lives in a home filled with Jesus".

Second glance...it's a window right? :) Lol
I'm gonna keep w/ the red cross with a circle around it.
xo

More than Survival said...

You are absolutely right on track!! What a great teacher your daughter has!!! Enjoy the simple things!!

jenny said...

Great post! Last night I laid on the couch while Lauren (she's 11) gave me her version of a manicure. Not sure my nails look better but she enjoyed it and you know what even if I had checked everything off the to do list it would have still been full today too.

Great post!
Jen

Wylie @ Shout A Joyful Noise! said...

I love this Nicki!! Love more simply today! Awesome!
Wylie

Traci said...

I needed to hear that today. Thank you!

Running the race said...

Nicki, I enjoyed reading the post! I love Hope's picture. It is so easy to get on the tread mill and not get off. Good for you for stopping and taking time to smell the roses! Love Mom

Ginger said...

Children with their little glimpses can help us see things in such simple and precious ways. What a darling picture!

Less really is more isn't it! Thank you for sharing this. I needed it after a week crammed full of "things" to do!!

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Bethany said...

Hey Nicki,
I loved your post! What a great reminder for me today!
Hope all your sweet girlies are well! I think of Taylor often!

Alyce said...

I loved this! I looked at the schedule for AWI tomorrow to see who I might miss in the morning. (suppose to snow here Friday, so I need to do the grocery thing in the morning) I am glad I visited your blog, and will be excited to get the downloads later so I can hear your session!

Terri said...

This is a great post! My daughter is 10 and in the middle of two boys. This week I decided I needed to have some mommy/daughter/girly time with her. So we spent Tuesday night combing the aisles of AC Moore! It was so fun and silly. I have also felt compelled over the last 6 months to say no to lots of different opportunities... good & acceptable things... but have just been felt I needed to slow down and simplify. Desiring less is a good thing. Especially when it leads to more of HIM. Blessings!

Running the race said...

This came from Max Lucado: And applies to your post...

In 1965 a testimony before a senate subcommittee claimed the future looked bright for free time in America. By 1985 the report predicted Americans would be working twenty two hurs a week and would be able to retire at age 38.

The reason The computer would do our work for us while stabilizing our economy. Computers are the files of the future..and the electric typewriter the computer will do its work also.Microwaves, quick fix foods, food processers will pave the way into the carefree future..

Years later we have everything the report promised..VCRs, fax machines yet leasure time has shrunk 37% since 1973. Average work week increased to 47 hours a week.

WHY? Report misjudged the appetite of the consumer..technology didn't make us relax..it made us run...more time ment more potential money...lives grew louder as the demands became greater..lives grew emptier.