FMF: Simplify

We tend to complicate things.

We complicate relationships.

We complicate work requirements.

We complicate our New Year's Resolution.

We complicate God...

and He is complex, and mysterious...

but He promises us that He will show us His mysteries.

And it's really simple.

We're told in Micah that we have a specific purpose: Seek justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly.

Justice for whom? In another chapter of the Bible we're told that the church is meant to care for the widows and the children. In other words, those who can't care for themselves.

Mercy? What's that, in this world where it's dog eat dog? Mercy is hard to give because it means that we surrender our right to hold grudges... but we were given mercy. Out of God's great mercy, we don't perish... but His mercy is new every morning (that's several verses thrown together... I'm not direct quoting God's Word there!)

Walk humbly?  Humble??? Being less than? Yes, because pride cometh before a fall and God despises pride.

We're also told that the law hinges on two commandments- Love God, and love each other...

So, in this complex world when we may question our purpose and what we are meant to do, God tells us to simplify the process.

Love.  Love Him. Love others. And we love by seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly.

Don't complicate. Simplify.

Linking up with Five Minute Friday as we write about one topic for five minutes, unedited. Today's topic? Simplify...

(And I'm going to break the rules because I'm also participating in #My500Words writing 500 words a day and the above was just 246, so...)

Here's some thoughts on how you can simplify.
1. Forgive someone you've been bitter toward. Forgive yourself.
2. Let someone out in front of you in the parking lot... or return the shopping cart to the corral.
3. Tell someone you like their shirt, their hair, their car, their whatever...
4. Put down your phone and listen to the person sitting across from you.
5. Tell someone Jesus loves them and you do, too.
6. Hold the door open.
7. Write someone a thank you note.
8. Look for someone who is vulnerable.
9. Refuse to consider someone is less than.
10. Be kind to others... and yourself.

Don't take on too much. Make time for something you enjoy, and make time for others. Love in word and deed.

Simplify... even though it seems so complex. Getting rid of the "too much" so you can take care of the important. Don't stress out if it doesn't seem like it's enough, if you don't feel like you are enough. Learn to take one thing at a time, breathing deep and living in the present, appreciating what is right in front of you.

We all need breathing room. Without breathing room, without oxygen, we become brain dead and are unable to serve others. We're unable to love. We're unable to fulfill our purpose... so give yourself permission to ask God what's important, and let go of the other things.