A pretentious, showy life is an empty life; a plain and simple life is a full life.

Proverbs 13:7 The Message

 

The lure of busyness, achievement, wealth and success may call like a moth to a flame, but in my life, simplicity is trending.  

 

[Tweet ““Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” #SimplyLove #GodFirst #TrueLife”]

 

Like Mary, I’m learning the better thing is to rest in Jesus’ plans and purposes for my life.  That my REAL life is hidden and I have to seek to find.  (Colossians 3:1-4)

 

I was living my “family” dream life 19 years ago. And then my good, good Father blessed our family with a gift that would alter how I measured success and how I knew Him.

 

Bethany.  and the added chromosome that down syndrome brings—- “leased” us  the “gift” of simplicity in this present life.  

[Tweet “The #limitations and #disabilities of this life are #temporary. #downsyndrome “]

 

This gift of “elemental simplicity” living with me 24/7- Bethany- ala “down syndrome” is methodically stripping away how I measure and perceive life. I see life’s bottom line is simply reduced to loving God and loving others.

 

[Tweet “The purpose and meaning of life is found in #simple truth. Love God. Love others.”]

 

1  The gift of  “slower”. 

LOL. You can’t rush Bethany. (the gift of patience is born in me- again and again) 

 

2.  The gift of “understanding and wisdom”.

Bethany’s  repeated questions (did I mention repeated? lol)  demand patient and well thought out answers that must be “reduced” to understandable.

Translating abstract thoughts about God and death and life and love, into Bethany’s concrete mind, has been exasperating and exhilarating.  It has brought a depth and dimension in my own understanding of how great my Father’s love is- how kind, patient, and compassionate His heart is toward me; always His child.

 

3. The gift of  “childhood trust”.

Jesus said, 

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

  — Matthew 18:1-5

 

The adult years are upon us, and though I feel sad sometimes about the life she won’t have, I mostly treasure the gift of simplicity and child like faith that embodies who she is.

 

She’ll never know the stress of finals, or the pressure of a great SAT score to get into college. She probably won’t have sleepless nights worried about bills, or advancing in her employment, or paying a mortgage.

 

But she does live in a fullness of love with God and family and friends. She enjoys a harvest moon and a starry night,  a spectacular sunrise and the beauty of  the morning dew that shimmers like diamonds. She exults in a baby’s snuggle and giggle, holding hands and dreaming.  She’s never too busy to help, hug or encourage.

 

An old Shaker dancing hymn has been running through my head for a while. 🙂  

 

Simple gifts

‘Tis a gift to be simple
‘Tis a gift to be free

‘Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
It will be in the valley of love and delight

When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend, we will not be ashamed
To turn, turn, will be our delight
‘Til by turning, turning, we come round right.

 

Ahhhh. 

 

Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be-

 

So much of life is about finding our place– our achievements- our “success”- our “happiness”.

 

But the “place just right” is an elusive place.

 

So many days I totally missed this shelter of the Most High- the Secret Place.  I miss the “place just right” when I don’t embrace the “simple, free” life Jesus offers. 

 

As I cut away the “shackles” and fake promises of this world system, and seek His true life, I will find that “place just right”. 

 

 

To turn, turn, will be our delight- til by turning, turning we come down right.

 

Though these words were to indicate a turning step in the Shaker dance, the author of the song used the phrase “turn” with  spiritual intentionality.

 

Turning is intrinsic to our life. The God- in whom there is NO Shadow or Turning – created a universe of “turning” that we might understand and experience life in time. 

 

The universe, solar system, earth, daytime and night, and the seasons, collectively proclaim “turning” is life. Life is turning. 

God asks us to turn from our sins to Him. To turn from darkness to light. To turn from bitterness to forgiveness.  To turn from busyness to peace. To turn from a “us” and “them” mentality to a “God so loved the world” truth.  Simple. 

 

If I keep “turning” to His ways, His love, His plans- He will be my delight and by turning, turning, I’ll come down right.

 

To live this way isn’t easy but it’s simple.  With every moment and every turn, I want to learn to simply be still in my soul- and know Him who loves me best.

 

Praying God will pour out simple beauty in your life and guide you in your turnings.

 

 

God’s Surprising Treasure: Psalm 116:5,6 Berean Study Bible  …  The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.  The LORD preserves the simplehearted; I was helpless,and He saved me. 

 

down syndrome, God of Grace, joyful journey, special needs parenting