Reading John Mark Comer’s book ‘The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry’ almost a year ago began to grow a seed of thought toward a different way of living in my heart and mind. Not long after this I got sick, switched jobs, ran myself out of energy over a business situation and now have sat either in my couch, my bed, or my kitchen for the last four months learning to live and recover. Learning to take life slowly, easy, and grace-filled as I find my way. Though this doesn’t make life perfect, I have learned a lot about simple living and am here to share with you the beauty of a simpler life even amidst trials and confusion.
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After months at home to slow down I have realized the detriment of living in such a hurry- especially as a Christian. Jesus calls us to a different life than this.
As first world citizens we get caught up in hustle. Moving from work to school, soccer game to hair appointment. Wednesday’s are Bible study evenings and we socialize or clean on Saturday’s. Sunday morning is Church and lunch with friends after. Homework every night, dinner every night, grocery shopping, and more. It never ends.
Not all of this is bad, none of it actually. But where is the moderation in our lives?
Where is the late mornings where we wake up at eleven, make tea and spend quality time around the house with family? We always have to have something to do.
And where does that end? The once a year vacation?
Life should be more than that.
But the road to reach that point is not easy. Withdrawals of a rushed life and societal pressure isn’t easy to brush off. The withdrawals that come from perfectionism and reliability to others for approval is a trying experience to endure. But it’s worth it.
This post isn’t a step by step in how to achieve this lifestyle. But more so a call to began pursuing it. No one can tell you how your life needs to change (except Jesus), but a call to action may bring to surface the first steps. Bold steps they are and tiring- but it’s worth it.
Move to a rural town, or disconnect your home internet. Sell the tablet or stop volunteering to cater Girls and Boys club once a week. Quit your job. Lower your standard of living.
many think these tasks impossible, which is why it isn’t easy. But we are the first generation to “require” this lifestyle. Meaning anything less and crazy is and always has been achievable.
So what if they fire you for cutting back your hours? If you lose your social status because you downsized. You lose so much to gain yourself back- to gain humanity back. To work with your hands, walk barefoot in the dirt, read a chapter book, bake your own bread and spend time with family- with yourself. These things are life, none of the stuff we hurry to have. Natural motion is slow and methodical and wise. It’s peace and endurance. Not burnout, anger, junk food for dinner, and babysitters because both parents are busy. It causes less fights, less struggle, less sleeplessness, and more freedom.
This is a call to action. I remember living both ways, and as I learn simpler, I learn the beauty of the life we live. The peace in wildflowers and watching the sky, The rest we have in Jesus when we surrender to it. The light burden of our Savior as He works out the details and we- at a long term pace- follow His steps. May this be a thought that plants a seed in your heart and mind. May overwork continue to bare its burden on us until we really the beauty of a life lived like our ancestors: walking by the wagon instead of jetting through the interstate. Growing lettuce instead of eating bioengineered pastries. Laughing and playing outdoors instead of scrolling social media. Let’s choose to live differently. This is what the world needs, the way of an old times Christian.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed! If you have comments or questions just let me know!
