Simple Life and Priorities

It is still strange to me how much my life has changed over the last two months. How something that I believed insignificant, (a fall with an unknown fractured knee, that I was able to walk away from) could change my life. I didn't realize at the time that it was a gift from God.  A chance to begin living a simpler, slower life and to align my priorities with God's priorities. God tells us in Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" NKJV.

I am finding that as I adjust to God's priorities life is just plain simpler. So many things that I believed  mattered are not as important now. God's priorities are relationship based. With the first and most important  relationship being with God. God wants us to put Him as number one in our life. Exodus 20:3 "you shall have no other gods before Me" NKJV. Anything that stands in the way of us having a relationship with God is idolatry i.e. choosing another item, person, activity or anything we make more important than God.

The second priority that I believe God has for me is the relationships I have with my family, my husband and son. In the book of Ephesians God provides us direction on how to treat our spouses 5:22-23 "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord, For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church and He is the Savior of the body." 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her" NKJV. Psalm 127:3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward" NKJV. As I read God's word I am so amazed at the blessings my husband and son are. When I was running my fast paced life I didn't have time to be with my husband or even give him a chance to be the head of our home as Christ is the head of the church. This of course led to a lot of conflict between us and a relationship that was lacking in the closeness we both desired. As for my son, I overflow with joy at the thoughts of him. He is a true reward to me.

The next priority from God I believe is the responsibility of employment and our relationship with our employer. I view employment as a form of commitment.  I believe God wants us to work and be productive whether at home or at a job. If at home we are working for our families to assist with meeting their needs. If we work outside the home we are working for another to meet their needs and to support our families financially. I Thessalonians 4: 11"that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands" NKJV.  Psalm 31:13 "she seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands" NKJV. The quoted scriptures basically reveal to us how we are to present ourselves as an employee, to be willing to do our job and to mind our own business.

The last priority I believe is service to the church body and community. I know no other way quicker to get over feeling depressed or having self pity then to serve another. When serving someone else I find that I don't focus on myself or my situation but I am providing for someone else's need. Usually someone who has needs greater than mine. Romans 15: 1-2 "We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification" NKJV.

As I walk on this journey I am in awe of what God is teaching me, leading me toward and providing me.  By learning more of His priorities and learning to live them, my life has become so full of love, joy and closeness to my God and family. I can't even begin to express my gratitude to the Lord for the changes in my simple life.

The Culprits

Water dog Max. He was on a fishing trip with his boy Chris at Eagle Lake

Princess looking everything over to make sure it is up to her satisfaction. Can't have a grass blade out of place. 

After writing my first post I realized I had neglected to introduce you to "the culprits" who assisted with my fall and my fractured knee. I love animals and have several. Max and Princess both were rescues from the local dog shelter. Max was obtained for my son Chris and the 2 are in-separable. Princess was to be a playmate for Max and a companion for me. Even after the accident I still adore these dogs. Max is extra loving, mild mannered and loves to run. Princess is high strung, independent and tries to be the boss. Yes both dogs are black. I didn't plan it this way. Honest.

Beginning My Journey

I can't even remember when I first started desiring a simple life. All I truly remember is most of my adult life feeling rushed and overwhelmed with my busy life style. Not having time for the priorities of my heart. Or should I say the priorities God spells out for us in His word.

All that changed when I had an accident hiking on a trail near our home. It was September 22nd and I  just had my 2nd mammogram. A previous one earlier in the month revealed an "increase in density" in my right breast. Needless to say I was pretty scared and stressed out for a few weeks. Thankfully the 2nd mammogram came back negative for cancer and changes.

After the x-ray I chose to take my dogs, Max and Princess on a hike. I was in prayer to God trying to de-stress when my pups came out of a high grass area bounding my way. I wasn't paying attention to them because the trail was familiar to us, we have walked it so many times before and I never thought they would run into me. But that is exactly what happened. The dogs came up from behind and knocked me down sideways on my left leg.

The next morning at about 1:30 A.M the pain was so severe and my left knee swollen to the size of a cantaloupe I had to go to the local emergency room. By myself I may add because my son and husband were out of town for a guys night out in a nearby city. I went through the routine things at the hospital and did all the follow up doctor appointments and x-rays and found out I actually have a horizontal  fracture in my knee. This particular type of fracture will usually take 6 months to heal if not longer and can't have any weight on it.

My fast paced, rushed life of work, housekeeping, extra activities to care for my family, caring for multiple animals, frequent shopping trips and traveling out of town was over. Temporarily I now use crutches, walker or wheelchair to be mobile. Talk about a slow pace life. If I go out shopping or to the post office I need some one with me for help, gives new meaning to "family time".

The most important thing through this all is God is revealing His priorities for my life. When I was working full time and traveling 3 hours a day to get back and forth to work it was absolutely draining me, I didn't get to see my family or be the wife and mother I needed to be. Nor did I spend time with God as I should.

 Through this blog I will be sharing over time of my healing; spiritually, relationally, and physically and things I am learning to do to change to a simple life. Please join me on my journey.