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Want an answer on how to keep your house cleaner? How to feel less frazzled? How to acomplish more in a day? I can answer in one word...simplify. There are times in our lives when we experience a paradigm shift - a new understanding. I recently came upon this while my family and I were moving. In my former mindset, I would have considered our move a negative. However, Our Heavenly Father, in his infinite mercy has shown me the beauty and joy of living a simple life. We lived in a home in the country (about 3 acres) in an old ranch house that was in constant need of repair. This property was beautiful, but extremely high maintenence. I had visions of peace and tranquility... space for my children to run and play.... an organic garden... the whole nine yards. Do not let me decieve you, the setting was gorgeous. The house was nice, we were very happy, we had a pool, but we were also very busy. This house was also expensive, and with mounting repair bills, we considered my husband getting a second job. We tried unsuccessfully to refinance, and eventually had to say enough! When we weighed the pros and the cons, we decided to move. When I pondered the thought of my husband having to work 2 or 3 jobs in order for us to keep the house and fix it up, without him ever being there to enjoy this house, it really made me sad. What would our house be to the children without their father? It was not worth it. We began looking for houses to rent. Always trusting, I prayed: "Dear Lord, I am being specific in my prayer, Please find us a house where there are at least one and a half bathrooms, with space for the kids to run and play, Oh, and if you could squeeze it in, I'd like to be able to paint and decorate the way I want to." Wouldn't you know, that is exactly what we got! Our house is smaller, but I have begun to see this as a blessing. I now realize that I spent so much time just trying to keep up on the housework, I hardly had time to take a breath. There were times when days would go by in an endless flurry of chores. Every Saturday had to be consumed with yard work. That was no way to live. I will be sharing more reflections on this journey and the constant task of de-cluttering in later posts. For now, I'm going to enjoy my family. (and go to the museum this Saturday!) |
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