The Campfire Is CallingSample

Simple Things to Slow Us Down

I’ve kept my feet on the ground, I’ve cultivated a quiet heart.

PSALM 131:2 THE MESSAGE

In the haste of our days, we neglect to do sweet, simple things for ourselves. Things like taking a stroll, squeezing in a nap, sitting down to sip our favorite tea (with our favorite cookie, of course). We should never take for granted how the little pleasures help us slow down.

It’s hard to appreciate a simple life if we never incorporate the simple things into our days. Sometimes just taking a moment to look out a window at the birds, who haven’t a care in the world, reminds us how to live. “Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to Him than birds” (Matthew 6:26 The Message).

Oh, to get into the habit of being careless in the care of God. To stay mindful of how much He values you. There isn’t a person on this earth who means more to Him than you do today. Everything in your life matters as much to Him as it does to you. You don’t have to think about how every detail of your day is going to go or if it will work out according to plan. Whatever you need will be there, and what doesn’t happen wasn’t meant to!

One thing is for sure: God saw today before the sun came up. There might be some things in it you didn’t expect, and if there are, you can handle them with a carefree heart knowing all is in the care of God. If the schedule changes because a friend calls and needs to talk, welcome the blessing of being a blessing. We’re created for each other, to love each other, and to help each other get through life’s harsh places. It’s a good day to free our minds from the rigidness of lists and expectations and allow God’s grace to walk us through. Nothing forced, nothing feared, and nothing getting in the way of what God planned and the good He’ll bring out of it.

Dear God, living without a care is the path You want me to choose and enjoy. I can be better for the people in my life when I trust You’re always working out what’s best.