Every so often I get this intense itch. It is a nagging itch that if scratched would send my life into a world of extreme simplicity. A radical life. But like any physical itch, if left alone, if ignored, it subsides and is forgotten. I am reminded of the time we hiked through the PA Grand Canyon and as we went off trail I touched the stinging nettle plant (otherwise known as 7-minute-itch). Yes it really does burn, sting, and itch for approximately 7 minutes, scratch it and it will last longer as I found out. Leave it alone and it will go away on its own, quickly forgotten.
My itch in life keeps coming back. I feel the nagging feeling and I keep touching it because I want the relief of scratching it! I crave a life that is far different from what the popular culture values. Minimalistic in nature, life would be basic, would be simple, and would avoid all frills. A life of anti-materialism. Evaluating what exactly is needed and removing the excess. Do we really need five sets of bedsheets, a closet full of towels, or scarves that cover all the colors. Do we need more than one cocktail dress, scads of makeup, or decor for each season? A life that strays from what society expects us to do. A life that instead is based on intentionality.
I think of wasted time. According to Dailymail.com, typically women will spend 474 days (1 year and 3 months) of their life applying makeup. We are not on this earth long enough to justify wasting that much time. Especially when other research shows that it can take as little as 10,000 hours (417 days) to become proficient at anything. There are other articles about time spent standing in lines, and time spent in cars, but this particular one makes me ill because it is based on vanity and appearances. Looking nice is one thing, recreating your face is another. Okay makeup rant over... launching an anti cosmetic campaign is not my focus. My focus is trimming the fat from our lives in order to place value on what truly matters
I think of wasted money because we are a consumer driven people trapped in the world of advertisers and marketing plans. The cars that say "drive me and you will be one of the elite" the bra that says "wear me and you will be your man's dream come true" the jewelry that says "buy this and your lady will know she is loved." They are lies. We should not allow ourselves to be identified by the things we wear, the vehicles we drive, or the gifts we give. This is sickening that we live in a world of shallow thought processes which then have allowed companies to use this weak mindedness to their advantage. Money spent on being sure we have all the latest and greatest technology. Money spent creating a wardrobe that is the envy of all our friends and keeps us trendy. Money spent on toys that are only enjoyed for moments before they are tossed to the side.
What I do want.
To live in a home that shields from the harsh weather. To have my family healthy (spiritually, emotionally, physically). To have my family together. To value the time spent in relationships. To be a good steward of time. To have items I need and no more than that. To live a life of generosity because I need less than what I have and to understand what I have is ultimately God's. To know God better. To gain His perspective, to have His heart. To be His hands and feet... And to Love Well.
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