Wednesday, December 06, 2017

Day 4 -- Simplify on This Fourth Day of Advent

Simplify is great word to think about, but I found it difficult to take a picture of it (and truth be revealed: it is a bit difficult to implement at times)! After rejecting several ideas (a calendar with less dates filled in? a closet with less clothes?), I wondered how God simplifies in nature.


I started with a tree (which is pictured below), but decided on the image above because of the three different types of plants. Each holds a key to simplifying. The evergreen in the background can stay green all year, but daily it needs to simplify its branches by dropping a few needles continuously. The red deciduous tree has a simplified rule of life that includes green buds, full green foliage, the beautiful autumn colors, and finally what looks like bareness in the winter. So, too, the grape vine with its buds, followed by leaves and fruit, then dropping of the leaves, and finally a cutting back. Then, each plant starts its cycle again.

I have seasons in my life as well, and I am learning that it is an excellent idea to simplify by dropping activities, cutting back, and then, when the season is right, to begin again. In this way, I can bear good fruit.


And, if all else fails, trust a seven-year-old to show you how to simplify by using one's imagination. No need to buy another nativity set; make do with the one you have.


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