I should have been a pioneer. My childhood was not in keeping with the times, for my parents’ lifestyle didn’t stray very far from that of the generation before them. Our days were long, beginning close to dawn and ending at dusk. They were filled with farming tasks and menial chores, yet even though we fell into bed at night with our muscles fatigued, our minds were not. It was a simple life. What were the components that made it simple?
*Singular focus. Rather than trying to be good at many different things, we focused on farming.
*Sharing the burden. Responsibilities were varied. No one had everything to do alone.
*Making time for people. The sunlight may have faded from the sky, but when we called it quits for the day, we stopped working. Those final hours of the day were for enjoying one another’s presence rather than vegging out with electronic gizmos. In addition, if we were plowing a field and saw a vehicle pull up to the house, the work was put on hold and company took precedence.
*Scheduling down time. Whether it was a fox hunt on Friday night, midweek church service, or visiting family on the weekends, we took time away from the daily grind to do other things we found both relaxing and important. Sometimes it was a different kind of work like fishing for supper, and at other times, it was an escape like reading. The down time was a reward for the hours of hard work.
*Practicing contentment. We didn’t feel the pressure to compete for bigger things, higher positions, or grander callings. We had good, honest work that provided for our needs, fellowship with others, and connection with family, and peaceful sleep. I never knew there were “Jones” with whom I was supposed to keep up!
*Spiritual emphasis. Prayer was central in our home, as was church attendance, and practicing biblical principles like tithing and giving. Our family was hugely imperfect, but the God factor was a stabilizing force that kept us centered and balanced.
I think we can learn a lot from those pioneer-like lifestyle choices, and we don’t have to go back in time-or give up our computers-to do it!
Tip/Tidbit: Practice simplicity today. Try one of the following.
-focus on one area of excellence
-ask for help or delegate to others if possible
-make time for the ones you love
-schedule some R & R
-begin a gratitude journal, skip commercials, and tune out the idea that more is better
-make God #1
*Singular focus. Rather than trying to be good at many different things, we focused on farming.
*Sharing the burden. Responsibilities were varied. No one had everything to do alone.
*Making time for people. The sunlight may have faded from the sky, but when we called it quits for the day, we stopped working. Those final hours of the day were for enjoying one another’s presence rather than vegging out with electronic gizmos. In addition, if we were plowing a field and saw a vehicle pull up to the house, the work was put on hold and company took precedence.
*Scheduling down time. Whether it was a fox hunt on Friday night, midweek church service, or visiting family on the weekends, we took time away from the daily grind to do other things we found both relaxing and important. Sometimes it was a different kind of work like fishing for supper, and at other times, it was an escape like reading. The down time was a reward for the hours of hard work.
*Practicing contentment. We didn’t feel the pressure to compete for bigger things, higher positions, or grander callings. We had good, honest work that provided for our needs, fellowship with others, and connection with family, and peaceful sleep. I never knew there were “Jones” with whom I was supposed to keep up!
*Spiritual emphasis. Prayer was central in our home, as was church attendance, and practicing biblical principles like tithing and giving. Our family was hugely imperfect, but the God factor was a stabilizing force that kept us centered and balanced.
I think we can learn a lot from those pioneer-like lifestyle choices, and we don’t have to go back in time-or give up our computers-to do it!
Tip/Tidbit: Practice simplicity today. Try one of the following.
-focus on one area of excellence
-ask for help or delegate to others if possible
-make time for the ones you love
-schedule some R & R
-begin a gratitude journal, skip commercials, and tune out the idea that more is better
-make God #1
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