The saving power of simplicity: finding peace of mind can change your world. Embracing simplicity in a complex society is no easy task. From candy bars to SUVs, options abound, making even the simplest choice overwhelming. We can't decide, so we work ourselves into a frenzy. Am I making the right decision? What if I'm wrong?

Vibrant Life, Jan-Feb, 2005 by Tammy Darling

Once in a lifetime offer," "For a limited time only." Act now!" scream endless sales pitches designed to pressure us into instant submission. Only later do we discover that we could have lived very well without that latest and greatest item we thought we so desperately needed.

According to James Gleick, author of Faster: The Acceleration of Just About Everything, our computers, movies, relationships, and even our prayers run faster than ever before. But. strangely, the more we fill our lives with timesaving devices and minute-shaving strategies, the more rushed we feel.

While society offers us bigger, better, and faster, Jesus offers something far greater--simplicity. "Come to me. all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28.

We go to great lengths to participate in activities that are, by far, less significant than spending time alone with God. He desires to communicate His love, grace, and peace to us. But we're often moving too fast or are too preoccupied to receive them.

It Starts in the Heart

If you've ever tried to uncomplicate your life outwardly by reducing your possessions or cutting out commitments, and didn't experience the longed-for change, you need to learn an important lesson. Simplicity starts in file heart.

Countless times I've tried to simplify my life by getting rid of physical or emotional "stuff." But I failed to find improvement until I started dealing with issues on a heart level. Simplicity isn't about relinquishing material things. True peace of mind requires a transformation of the soul. Doing without doesn't always work. Doing differently usually does.

Living a simple life means stripping the heart of all that is unessential and trivial in God's eyes. In essence, it's a life with one focus--Christ. According to Jesus, true simplicity is having one treasure, one master, and one desire: God's kingdom and His righteousness.

In order to simplify my life, I must ask, "Where is my heart focused right now? What am I clinging to that's trivial in God's eyes?" "While material possessions may provide the outward evidence of my focus, my heart must be examined first.

Dealing With Stuff

Once I've addressed those issues of the heart that may be keeping me from enjoying life to its full, it's time to take a look at my possessions. Simplicity allows me to appreciate the small, familiar, ordinary trappings of life. It runs contrary" to the bigger, better, faster mentality. Before long, I become grateful for what I have, not worried about what I think I lack.

Another evidence of simplicity is reduced activity. The pace of a simplistic life is in direct contrast to the pace of the world. I willingly trim my schedule because the simplicity of my heart demands it. Jesus worked hard. Yet, He took time to play with children, nap (during a raging storm, no less), observe nature, and share meals with friends.

Our innate longing for simplicity is God-created. We ignore it at our peril. Given our fast-paced society, it may be difficult--but by no means impossible--to achieve. The journey begins in the heart, and then continues until it reaches into every corner of our busy lives, transforming us, rebuilding us, saving us.

Tammy Darling keeps things simple in Three Springs Pennsylvania.