SIMPLIFY!

Proverbs 12:1-8
1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. 2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but the Lord condemns a crafty man. 3 A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted. 4 A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones. 5 The plans of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful. 6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them. 7 Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm. 8 A man is praised according to his wisdom, but men with warped minds are despised.

Life couldn't be more complicated, it seems. Days are so filled with commuting and activity and conversation that we can't keep up with it anymore. There are calls to make, appointments to keep, lunch dates, magazines to read, rooms to clean, clothes to wash, TV programs you can't miss, movies to see, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

In the midst of all this frenetic activity we may feel that we've lost control. Our schedule runs us. We have no time for family. We carry on rapid conversations with friends. We feel guilty if we sit down to read a book or listen to music for pure enjoyment. And Jesus? No time left for Him at all. To get our attention, it seems, He'll have to blast His way through all that commotion.

But you know how Jesus is. He knocks and waits. He's out there right now. Do you hear Him?

Henry David Thoreau said, "Our life is frittered away by detail . . . simplify, simplify, simplify!"

Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of Franklin D., 32nd President of the US, said, "A little simplification would be the first step toward
rational living."

Then there's that K.I.S.S. saying: "Keep it simple, stupid!" So, how can we begin to simplify?

* Get things organized. Put your schedule, your responsibilities, your life in order. Every 10 minutes you spend looking for something is 10 minutes wasted.

* Evaluate your activity. "Busy work" may give the illusion of accomplishment, but it's wasted time. Make sure everything you do gets you closer to your goals.

* Lighten the load. Having too much of everything is time-consuming and wasteful.

* Turn off the TV. A television-free day brings rest to a crowded schedule.

Don't let your business or friends or schedule control you. Take charge of your life. Then you'll be able to give the Lord the time He deserves and enjoy your relationship with Him. --Dave Egner

DESTINATION POINTS

* How can I evaluate the things that occupy my time? How can I eliminate the unnecessary stuff?
* How much time do I spend with Jesus each week? What benefits would I receive by simplifying my life and spending more time with Him?

LINKS:
I Need A Break!
by Jennifer Knapp
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/002/15.72.html

bottom line: Let your schedule start with Jesus.

soul journey