Less
What’s the point of less?
What does less mean to a North American who has a roof over their head, a steady income, material possessions and a relatively good life? These are ample reasons for giving thanks, but we’re apt to take them for granted.
As consumers who own more than we need, any movement toward doing with less might seem like a drop in the bucket. But is it? Is there merit to having less? If that’s your desire and you’re ready to live with less, may I introduce you to Joshua Becker, an expert in minimalist living. https://www.becomingminimalist.com
As a result of owning less, he and his family know greater freedom, have more time, more energy, and more opportunity to pursue their passions. Becker has written many books on minimalism and outlines a way to live that’s both inviting and possible. If owning less interests you, check out his books, his podcast, or his Instagram account – @joshua_becker.
There are other ways to look at less, not through the lens of what we have, but of who we are, and who we want to become? What if less is a gateway to who we’re meant to be?
Take a few minutes and ponder what you’d like less of in your life.
Would you like to be less annoyed? Less anxious? Less hurried? Less critical?
Less annoyed at what? Those who take their time crossing an intersection? Those without filters who prattle on about nothing? Those you live with who don’t pick up after themselves?
Perhaps you would like to be less annoyed with yourself – with your own unhealthy habits that surface when stressed or bored, lonely or confused.
When I’m annoyed by others it’s typically because I’m at odds with myself. I haven’t slept well, I’m preoccupied with an issue, or I’m feeling out of control. When I point my finger at another, those other fingers still point back at me! Sometimes I’m oblivious but when I do notice what I’m doing, I humbly whisper, Oops. Sorry, Lord.
Would you like to be less anxious?
Though grateful I’m not a worrier, I can certainly get my knickers in a knot – like last week in the dentist chair with my mouth pried open by a rubber dam, my eardrum cringing from the shrill of the drill, and my heart rate escalating by the second. If you’re a white knuckler like me, you know it takes herculean effort not to imagine the worst. To mitigate my anxiety, I closed my darting eyes and laid hold of Philippians 4:8, forcing myself to focus on what I knew to be true. This woman is an amazing dentist. She runs a first-rate practice. She teaches at a renowned university. She’s done hundreds of crowns in her career. I live in a century with anesthetic and insurance. (Repeat.) As I declared the ‘whatevers’ (what was true, right, lovely, praiseworthy), my muscles relaxed, and my heart rate returned to normal. Would claiming the ‘whatevers’ help you be less anxious? Try it and see.
Would you like to be less hurried?
I would. I am punctuality-challenged by nature. Though I tell my husband it’s part of my charm, he thinks I should borrow a page from his logbook. And he’s right. I need to allow more margin to get places on time without pushing the (speed) limit. I’d probably arrive a little calmer and more collected. Help, Lord.
Would you like to be less critical – of yourself, and of others?
I would. I believe the secret to being less critical lies in knowing at my core how dearly loved and accepted I am by God. The deeper Agape Love sinks into my soul, the more naturally I will love and accept myself, and others. Plain and simple. Or is it? Actually, it’s a process. A daily endeavour. A recognition of my limits and a desire for Love to override criticism. When I yield to the gentle but tenacious work of the Spirit, Love will win the day, in every way.
As you ponder who you want to be, think how less might play a role. Less what?
Ask God to shine the light on one thing you can do with less of and enlist the Spirit’s help to make it happen.
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable –
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”
“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”