Simple

I woke up this morning with this word on my mind. I even had thoughts of what to write about. What happened? I got up and didn't write right away, and now my brain is in a fog. I've forgotten the "simple" things in life.

I have my coffee. But, between feeding the cats, having to start a load of laundry, cleaning up a mess and trying to catch up on a few things online - my brain already forgot what I wanted to focus on.

This is why I miss Shabbat. This is why I miss the intentional stop that God commanded. He said it was good to stop and reset. In my opinion that is: enjoy the simple...

Being intentional is so challenging in this crazy world. Taking time to refocus is so difficult when life hits. Balance in life doesn't happen like it used to.

So - what does it take to get back to simple? What does that even mean or look like?

This is where it has to be different for everyone and we can't judge or tell others how to live simple. For some it would be off the grid and taking care of animals and gardening. Others could never handle those responsibilities and prefer to find a small apartment and be there for the neighbors around them. Still others might just need to get away every now and then to a body of water to sit and chill.

What I do believe is: we all need to find that way to be simple. We all need to be intentional to enjoy the little things and find God in the middle of our daily life.

WHERE HAS THIS WEEK VANISHED?

Is it lost forever?

will I ever recover anything from it?

The joy of life, the unexpected victory,

the realized hope, the task accomplished?

Will I ever be able to banish the memory of pain,

the sting of defeat, the heaviness of boredom?

On this day let me keep for a while what must drift away.

On this day let me be free of the burdens that must return.

On this day, Shabbat, abide.

Help me to withdraw for a while

from the flight of time.

Contain the retreat of the hours and days from the

grasp of frantic life.

Let me learn to pause, if only for this day.

Let me find peace on this day.

Let me enter into a quiet world this day.

On this day, Shabbat, abide.

Mishkan T'Filah

A Reform Siddur

Pg 125

Today, friends, take time to find the simple. Take time to find HIM in the little things around you. Always find a way to refocus. The photo today reminds me of Shabbats in Israel during this time of year when the "poppies" bloomed and scattered the fields. I know many of us have snow and cold right now... Find a way to bring simple life to your world. I'm going to light a candle that reminds me of Spring.

Shabbat Shalom -

Rose