In life, not many things are simple. Or let me start again. In life, many things are simple, perhaps we are responsible for making the simple things hard and complicated. This is not to say that simple things are 'easy'. What is simple for my friend may not be simple for me. I may not have the capacity for it. Over the week, I asked a few people to complete this statement with the first thing that comes to their mind 'As simple as ...' The responses I got were interesting, including 'nothing comes to mind.' The regular saying 'as simple as A, B, C or 1,2,3 did not surface surprisingly. Well, it appears everyone overthought it. Here are a few responses I got: 'As simple as I can', 'As simple as that', 'As simple as my name'.
'As simple as I can' got me thinking and wondering about 'what can I do?' What are simple things that I do without many thoughts? What have I been thinking about lately? How have I compared myself with others, their goals, and their accomplishments? Are there potential changes I need to make in order to modify the seemingly hard things?
Matthew 11 verses 28 to 30 states “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (New International Version). I had to read the above scripture again while writing this piece. I must understand that my rest comes from God and if resting on the giver of rest makes life simple, then I will take it.
This would require minding my business when I should, being quiet when not asked, showing kindness and love as needed, being a friend when I should, supporting my community when the need arises, obeying the law of the land, respecting others in every capacity, saying 'thank you', 'please', being humble to apologize. As simple as those things or maybe not. How about smiling frequently, eating healthy, brushing my teeth twice daily as recommended by dental professionals, going for frequent medical check-ups, asking and seeking help when needed, being you, working towards your dreams and goals, playing with children, exercising, respecting other's opinions, being nice with my comments on social media, not looking for faults in everything, not gossiping, complimenting others achievements, finding the good in everything, being less distracted, praying regularly, loving the brethren, fellowship and the list go on. The simple things or maybe not.
1 Corinthians 10 verse 31 states 'So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God' (New International Version). Now, this scripture sums it up for me. Every day is an opportunity to do simple things. You are responsible for creating and living the simple things. You make your own rules. However, I hope you make wise choices and be discerning in order to earn your rest. The ultimate goal is to glorify the Father.
As I ponder on these 3 words - THE SIMPLE THINGS (OR MAYBE NOT). I am propelled to begin the year, 2023, with the simple things. Especially as related to my words and actions. I am choosing to explore more ways to do simple things. Gradually repenting from complicated living and taking one day at a time.
I will start a series of short videos on my Youtube channel @The Incredible Creature. Titled 'The Simple Things or Maybe Not.' The goal of this series is to explore the everyday simple things people neglect or are unconversant with. To open a conversation that makes awareness of certain simple things and hopefully propels a change. Using the scriptures of the bible and proverbs to encourage and groom one another for a simpler life. To make each episode fun, relatable, and simple.
And we will talk about anything and everything! No limits.
I hope you will join me. Let us groom one another while doing the simple things that glorify the Father.
I am your friend who desires change and to please God in whatever she does.
Adejumoke Akanji
IG: @dejuincrediblecreature
Youtube channel (@theincrediblecreature: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcVivanXKJdDYtAWmnOkLYQ
Amazing write up.
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