Wow, what a great subject: one that I am sure is needed by all of us.  I really can’t guarantee that this article will make your life less complicated. I’m just going to give you some down-home advice that may help you to order your priorities and manage your responsibilities in a way that is more in tune with your values, thus creating a personal sense of well being.  

 

     In order to simplify your life; give yourself permission to say “no.” 

 

Rather than immediately responding with, “Sure, no problem.”  Respond in a Biblical manner, “This will we do, if God permit…” Hebrews 6:3 KJV  Then check with God before saying yes, even when it seems like a “no-brainer.”  We live in a society that is constantly challenging us to stretch beyond our limits and reach for the stars.  I just went to an awesome pastor’s conference whose theme was “Beyond All Limits.”  Pleads for help and demands on our time and energies lie around every corner.  But eventually we each have to accept the fact that we cannot do it all.  Freedom comes when we learn that such expectations are unrealistic and misguided.   Saying “no” frees you to say “yes” to those things that the Lord directs and brings about the greatest sense of well-being.  It allows you to “de-clutter” your life and restore balance.  It is the first step to leading a simpler life.

 

     In order to simplify your life; take time off to renew your energy and creativity.

 

“Even the soil becomes depleted if it tries to produce without a season of rest.”  T.D. Jakes.    Work and leisure are two sides of the same coin, fulfillment of God’s purposes through our lives.  We can get thrown off balance if we neglect either one.  For many on our church leadership team, I would encourage more work.  But there are some of us who need a little “R & R.”  I have told many of the ministry leaders to whom I give oversight that when I go away, even for a day, it puts me in a place where I can hear God more clearly and where my creativity gets a jump start.  It seems that away from the demands from my family and the church, I end up being more on God’s agenda rather than my own.  Get away.  You will come back a “kinder and gentler” version of yourself, more capable, more creative and more gracious to others.  PS.  While you are away, seek God’s face in order to get the maximum benefit of “down time.”

 

     In order to simplify your life; immediately put things back where they belong.

 

Who can fully calculate the time wasted looking for misplaced keys, tickets, eyeglasses, shoes, records for taxes, appliance warranties, the other sock or an earring.  I have watched my husband spend precious minutes EACH DAY looking for things.  Returning something to its place and keeping a neat working space can be an amazing investment when you also consider your frustration level.   Save yourself from this frustration and save the time for what you really need to do by designating a place for each and every item.  Enlist the cooperation of your family.  Do not do it for them.  Don’t empower them to be lazy in this area.  Organization creates harmony and lessens stress.  NO PAIN, NO GAIN!

 

     In order to simplify your life; identify your most productive time of the day and maximize it.

 

Metabolisms vary, energy levels ebb and flow, and body rhythms fluctuate.  The key to maximizing efficiency and productivity is to work with your own natural internal body rhythms.  Schedule the most challenging tasks when energy is at a peak level.  Do creative work during the time of day when creativity seems abundant.  Don’t let anything interfere with these important hours.  Making the most of them can be a key to success.  When energy and creativity begin to wane, take a break or switch to more routine chores.  Find out the what, how and why of your ole’ ticking mechanism and then live your life accordingly.  Creative tasks must always be done at your energy high peak of the day.

 

     In order to simplify your life;  delegate, delegate, delegate.

 

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit.”  Harry S. Truman.  No person can be it all or do it all.  That’s why all of us eventually gets to the place where we throw up our hands and say to the dust motes in the air that we just can’t do it anymore.  Whenever possible, include others in your planning rather than waiting until the last moment to dump.  After all, sharing work often makes it more fun.  Of course, there will be tasks that only you can do, but developing a team spirit concerning those tasks that can be shared will alleviate frustration, resentment and physical exhaustion.  TRUST OTHERS to complete a job.  Allow for errors – don’t expect perfection and be quick to give rewards and praise.  Many hands truly do make light work.

 

     In order to simplify your life; address small problems before they become disasters.

 

Minor irritations rarely go away on the own.  Instead they have a way of transforming themselves into great, big, complicated messes.  You know what I mean?  Is your car making a funny sound?  Ignore it, and it’s likely to leave you stranded in the middle of a four-lane highway.  Putting off minor irritants only gives them an opportunity to become complicated problems.  Simplify your future by dealing directly with the present.

 

      In order to simplify your life; make lists.

 

This list would not be complete without talking about my famous lists.  Lists are so much a part of my life that my sanguine daughter makes them on occasion.  Making lists of things to buy, events to remember, projects, and/or chores to do is guaranteed to un-clutter your mind and create an environment where you are more efficient and less likely to make errors.  Get whatever you can out of your head and on to paper.  Written lists make prioritizing easier and planning simple.  They can help you make wiser decisions, think through a project more exactly, communicate more clearly and organize more effectively.  But remember:

 

·         Be realistic about your lists and the time that will be required to complete each task.  We are not talking about your ideal day.  We are talking about your day with interruptions and complications.  Be realistic about your lists.

·         Keep your lists out in the open and cross off as you go, or your list is worthless.  Besides, crossing things off your list can give you a real rush.  REWARD yourself.

·         Bring your paper to your time with God.  Allow the Holy Spirit to plan your day.

·         Do not become married to the list.  There is no commitment here other than the commitment to stay focused and effective.  If you need to chuck the list some days…chuck it!

 

     In order to simplify your life; help when you can, but don’t own other people’s problems.

 

“When you do for a man what he can and should do for himself, you do him a disservice.”  Benjamin Franklin.   When someone needs help, advice or simply an ear, listen objectively and empathetically.  Allow others to fully vent their feelings and voice their concerns.  If they want input, offer your opinions, HOWEVER, under no circumstances try to solve the problem yourself.  If you ever feel like you have been “sucked in” or have become too involved…you have.  DO NOT take on responsibilities.  It doesn’t really help the other person in the long run, believe me, and it only brings more stress and aggravation into your life. 

 

Do you have a suggestion for simplifying life?  E-mail me with your ideas to: pastorc@clctoday.org.  Thanks and have a simply wonderful day!

Posted under Heart to Heart