As the holiday seasons are approaching, I find myself overwhelmed by all of the stuff already in retail stores. All of the decisions and plans that happen during the six weeks can feel like a huge mountain to climb. In an effort to begin this time of year with a different mindset, I began to ask myself these questions:

Do you feel that each day is overscheduled? Have you ever have to collect your scattered self so that you could make an important decision? Do you ever lay awake at night thinking about all you have to do? Do you ever ask why your life is so full?

Simplicity may sound like an oasis in the desert during this time of year. Living simply is not about deciding to get your life under control but about giving control of your life to God.

The summer before we moved here 4 years ago, I had been experiencing a season like this one at home and work. God guided Chap and me into a simpler life on a lake. Our pace of life and amount of possessions we traveled with changed significantly as we moved into a small cabin at our presbytery's camp. You may take time to retreat for a few hours, a day or a weekend to reflect and prepare for all that this season of the year requires. I found this renewal this past weekend when I traveled up the mountain to Amicalola Falls for our Women's Retreat.  I would invite you to reflect on when Jesus talks about wealth and worries in Matthew 6, his message is simple: seek God, trust God, and receive God.

How can we live simply in a consumer focused culture?

In the midst of all of the busyness, how can we focus our lives on seeking God, trusting God and receiving God?

How might these responses affect the way we enter this season of holidays?

Prayer for Today

Gracious God, may we who have plenty live simply. Guide us so that we will seek you, trust you and receive you each day.   Amen.