Looking for Simplicity

It's almost the end of February and it's been a busy year already! Let's see...there was false labor, then real labor, new baby, lots of lovely visitors and house guests, two in diapers, family and church commitments, Valentine's, husband's birthday, and now, at the hospital again with our baby girl for RSV.

As much as I've wished for it, my longing for simplicity doesn't seem to be working out. I love being busy and involved, but sometimes I wish I lived in a little cottage out in the country where my main concerns were making delicious dinners, playing with my kids and hearing my family's laughter. The candles would be lit every night, there would be fresh flowers in vases. I would grow my own herbs on the window sill and maybe even venture into planting flowers outside! Oh, and the laundry would never pile up like the rocky mountains around my bedroom!

Ahhh...what a daydream. But of course, if I lived there it would not be perfect, I know. I believe God has us where we are for a reason, all of us. I also believe that I'm not meant to be disconnected from the people and world around me. Still, it takes some adjustment and learning to figure out how to balance everything, let alone just your own home and family!

So anyway, I'm looking for simplicity. I'm longing for it, really, because I honestly don't want to live the crazy-paced life that our generation seems trapped in. I don't want to look back and wonder where time went. I want to enjoy the little joys and moments with my little ones. I want to fully embrace the adventure that my husband and I are on. But I don't want to be a stressed-out, frazzled mom!

But since life itself doesn't seem to be calming down, I guess I'll have to discover the art of simplicity in the midst of it. Like sitting under a cozy blanket with a warm cup of cocoa, looking out the window at a thunderstorm. (I love doing that!) The Bible says God gives us peace that transcends understanding... when it doesn't make sense or it seems impossible, we can still live in His peace! I'm eager to discover how to apply that in this busy life!