I’m sitting here watching our puppies play tug-of-war. One will finally win out and then run around the house. The temporary victory provides a comical segue from tug-of-war to keep-away. It reminds me of years gone by.
Growing up, I spent quite a bit of time alone; whether it was walking the fields, playing in the backyard, helping our Granddaddy feed the animals across from the house. I remember waiting to hear his truck coming down the hill after school. It meant no less than about an hour or so worth of work (unless we were building or repairing fences and such). Yet it was familiar. It was simple.
I used to detest such simplicity. As a young boy who traveled a good ways to the city for school, I longed to have the relationships and stories that my friends had. They would walk the streets together hanging out. Their weekend war-stories were laced with adventure, intrigue, mystery. Just enough info to provoke the smallest bit of envy.
Now, however, I find myself missing those days after school – walking the fields, playing in the backyard, working the farm. The simple fact of having land on which to roam is a forgotten luxury now that we’ve lived in the city for so long. And thinking back, I can see that God was with us strongly during those (hard) times. Of course, we didn’t attend church, and I’m pretty sure that I wasn’t “saved.” But nonetheless, in hindsight, the atmosphere seemed more conducive to hearing God’s voice; away from the busyness, the noise, the hurry.
Shannon
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I must agree that things seemed simpler in my life when I was young and living on a farm away from the hustle and bustle of life. We sometimes allow ourselves to get so busy that we fail to stop, look around, and recognize the gifts God has given. Dee(Quote)
Amen! (((golf clap)))
Well said my brother. I too miss the simple times of walking through our backyard to the creek behind my parents home. It was there in the woods that I would find solitude, and it was my own little “wilderness”. I can relate to the prophetic voice of John the Baptist crying out from the wilderness…away from all the noise and distractions of society. I can also relate to Christ frequently going off alone, many times in the middle of the night to be alone with the Father.
I pray that we can have the courage to slow down, the boldness to unplug, and the grace to see the fruit of simplicity.
Thanks for the blogs! I am enjoying them. On a side note if you want to buy me about 20 acres of land… you can visit anytime you want. :biggrin: Jason D.(Quote)
Being raised in the country was certainly an advantage for enjoying times of solitude and introspection, but I figure that simplicity is more of a matter of being young and not saddled with all of the responsibilities that are hoisted on your shoulders when you become one of “them”–you know, an adult.
Back then, i didn’t have to worry about paying bills, being successful, or growing old. All of that “stuff” was way off in the future and not even worth consideration at the time. I certainly wish that were still the case.
Read the account of Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus where Jesus tells him that he must be born-again and Nicodemus basically asks Jesus if he can enter into his mother’s womb again. I sometimes think that his question is not one of stunned perplexity, but rather one of wishful thinking because Nicodemus, like many of us, would have loved the thought of starting over again by returning to the simplicity of childhood.
I sincerely do miss the simple times of my childhood and therefore I look, with great anticipation, to the day when all that is wonderful about being a child (of God) will bring to pass a time (endless) when there will be no lack of provisions, no such thing as failure, and I will never grow old. Even so come quickly Lord Jesus!
God Bless,
Mike
p.s. What puppies? Mike Ward(Quote)
Life was more easily understood for me then. I thought in terms of black and white on many issues and as time went by I thought more in terms of gray. It truly is easier to hear God’s voice plainly when free from distraction. Contrary to some assumptions made about me, I grew up in a coal mining community on a farm. I frequently talked to the sheep, cattle, and God in lower side of property toward the stream. Life seemed to move slowly and with purpose. Nowadays, life moves so fast that it makes me a little sad. river d’angelo(Quote)
Thanks, D, Jason, Mike and River for the comments. I remember seeing a book title at Pathway bookstore years ago that read – “Addicted to Hurry.” I thought – “Man, isn’t that the truth!” This is one of the reasons why I appreciate Richard Fosters’ work, Celebration of Discipline, so much. In it he discusses the importance of spiritual habits such as prayer, solitude, fasting, etc. Among other things, such disciplines help us develop (and maintain) a sharper focus on Christ and his Kingdom. Blessings
Shannon Mimbs(Quote)