“And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need." Luke 12:29-31 NLT
Have you ever tried to eat just one or two vanilla wafers? I personally find it troubling. I honestly try, but the joy in eating these tiny cookies is something I continue to crave. The clear cookie jar sits on the counter almost daring me to eat just two more or five more! Once that first cookie enters my system, I find myself sneaking my hand right back into the jar. I tell myself this will be the last one, but then it happens; I can't resist just a few more.
Craving something in life can be good as well as bad. A few months ago, I started reading more about the minimalist lifestyle, and I haven't looked back. I am coming to learn that some of my cravings in life are unhealthy and take away from the joy in life. The minimalist lifestyle is basically focusing on what in life brings you joy and basically getting rid of the things that only cause more work and cost (physically, mentally, emotionally, and materialistically) to one's life. My husband and I have always somewhat lived the minimalist lifestyle in many different ways in our 36 plus years of marriage. We try to make choices based on need rather than want. It isn't easy, but we do our best.
Both of our adult children are in the process of moving and selling their homes. The one comment that comes up often is, "I didn't realize how much stuff has been accumulated." Listening to these comments led me to a deep cleaning, and I was shocked to find how many things that are rarely if ever used have been piling up in my own home. A few trips to Goodwill brought great joy to me. Saying good-bye to things that take up space, need to be cleaned or cared for, and have no purpose in my life was much easier than I thought. I found great joy in having so much more room in drawers, closets, and cupboards!
As I looked at some of the treasures in the boxes, I realized that at one time I had probably purchased the item as a want rather than a need. Purchasing the item had brought me temporary joy, but in turn had brought a type of clutter into my life that took away from a greater joy. The greater joy of not being ruled by things.
I then took a look at my faith walk and the wants and needs I display when it comes to my relationship with God. I've decided a minimalist faith style is also an objective for me as well. You see, I often come to God with a lot of wants thinking they are needs. I yearn to be more focused in prayer and service of the needs of others and for myself as well. When I center my relationship around need, it becomes enriched because God knows what I need in all circumstances. He also knows what I want, but he can easily distinguish between the two. One helps me thrive while the other at times may add complicated dimensions to my life that include taking some of the joy of a more simplistic way of being away from me.
So, I have to admit that I will probably always love those little vanilla wafers because they do bring me joy. But, these are also a reminder that learning to eat just a few rather than half a box is a big difference. Eating half a box begins a new problem of weight gain and then weight gain causes other health problems all because I didn't know when to stop with just what I needed. I am in control of the decision, but I occasionally need a reminder. And what a blessing that Luke reminds us in verses 29-31 that God always knows just what we need.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for providing for our daily needs. Help us to understand that sometimes the wants just get in the way of the joy of life, and most of all our relationship with you.
Amen
