Simple

You know those people who pick one word to focus on for the entire upcoming year, sort of like a new years resolution, but far more simple? They identify just one word that centers on their character and perhaps creates vision for their future. They choose just one word that represents what they most hope God will do in them and they focus on it for an entire year? I know lots of people who choose a word for the year, and I’ve heard lots of stories about how that word has shaped their year when it’s all said and done, but I’ve never taken the time to really pray about and choose one word for myself. But this year I’m in.

I’m not big on new years resolutions. I’ve never been able to keep one for an entire year. To be honest, I’ve never really tried. I think the whole idea of it has always been something that just doesn’t interest me. I’ve wondered “what’s the point”? So, this year, instead of thinking about a new years resolution I’ll never keep, I’m reflecting on 2016 and looking ahead to 2017 by allowing God to lead and direct me to a single word. I’m committing to it wholeheartedly and I’m going to allow it to transform me. And the word that keeps coming to mind, the word that won’t let go of me, is simple. 

Simple.

Jesus described and lived a simple life marked by generosity and underconsumption. Let me say that agin. Jesus was all about generosity and underconsumption. Having just lived through what was likely to be my last American Christmas (at least for a while), I am taking lots of time to reflect and pray on those two things. Generosity and underconsumption. Giving more and spending less.

It’s simple really.

My life is about to get very crazy. Our family is moving to the other side of the globe to tell people about the simple God-man who came down and lived a life marked by generosity and underconsumption, and I think our best bet to actually display his love to the world is to live like he lived. To live simply. So, even in the midst of this crazy transition, we will simplify. We will get rid of the things and we will become minimalists. We will move with just the essentials, fit our life into a few suitcases and be better off because of it. 

I can’t wait to see how he grows and changes our family this year as he brings simplicity in the chaos. I will no doubt learn more about who He is and who he made me to be, and that fills me with anticipation. Simple anticipation.