the book, Seven (An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess), is really “messing me up” (as Jen would say).
really, it’s God’s Spirit, through my reading of the book, Seven, but either way—
i’m messed up.
bad.
we have so much.
i have so much——
“stuff.”
i eat so much food,
buy so many clothes
own so many things,
watch too much tv,
waste so much,
spend so much,
stress so much.
and while i try to be beyond thankful and praise God for His blessings,
it just doesn’t seem like enough–like i can possibly ever deserve any of it,
because if i’m being honest, i find myself, each day, wanting MORE ….
“stuff.”
how can that be, when i would tell you with my words, that Jesus is Enough?
i have two cars that work well.
a warm/cool house to live in.
wonderful, healthy kids and husband.
closets busting at the seams,
food in the pantry.
money in the bank.
the list goes on and on.
i have so much……………… or too much.
i’m reminded of what the Lord says when asked about how to truly belong to Him.
He says, “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (mark 10:21)
i must take a hard look at what in my life can be given away so that i can be free to serve God and glorify Him. that must be my first concern in this life—-
not the new house or job or the new swimsuit.
am i being a good best steward of the blessings God has trusted me with (and not just ‘doing better than most people’)?
am i serving others who have to go without their basic needs OR just asking God to bless me & mine with more “stuff?”
like i said, God’s messing me up about this whole topic.
we’re just starting on the journey,
and it’s a good thing.
He’s moving my heart in the direction of His own.
i don’t know about you, but that’s exactly where i want to be.
I’m off to buy that book … and I agree. I’m struggling right now with simplicity. I want it, I need it, I crave it but it’s so hard to downsize, to throw out, to find the time to scale down the way we live. Thank you for this post. <3
…just sold our farm….it’s hard somedays to think we won’t live there anymore. I have to keep my eyes on Jesus and remember that all of this is just so temporary anyway – our true home awaits – a mansion on a hill with riches greater than I can ever imagine. So, while I wait for that mansion I want to be content with less down here..serving him and being a better steward of what He has abundantly given! This was a great post Andi – thanks for the reminder – I need it!
Girl I swear I struggle so much with this. I know i feel like i talk about it all the time but i so do. I need to read this book too definitely. But then somedays I’m almost SCARED I’ll be convicted even more and then what somehow give up our cushy life? What does that even look like? That direction is so blurry right now for us. We just have to keep praying for direction and OBVIOUS direction. I love your heart friend!
wow. that’s all i can say. looking at the book now.
Yes. Getting ready to move, I’m overwhelmed by how many possessions I have. I crave more simplicity. But at the same time, I have a running list of things that I want. I agree with you… simplicity frees us to chase Jesus and serve others!
What a beautiful post! Yes, sometimes in the midst of wanting more you miss the things and stuff you already have (like a healthy family, a loving husband, shelter, food, etc.). I try to thank God every night for the things I do have. I want it to be known that I don’t overlook even the smallest things (like waking up and being able to see my daughter another day). Imagine all the people that may shut their eyes tonight and not wake up tomorrow.
I’m so glad you liked the book! I loved it and it messed me up too! Now I will give you her other bok – Interrupted. It’s about how they were busy serving the saved and blessing the blessed and God turned their lived around. Very touching!