“Let’s go there! … Awwwww!” - “I did it, I did it!” - “I’m Tangled, I’m tangled!” - “dddeeeeeEEEE!” These are not statements from scenes in the next Disney Pixar movie. To my kids, these are fun “car games.”
I’m tangled involves twisting their hands in seatbelts from the unoccupied seats as they both squeal with feigned panic: “I’m tangled, I’m tangled!” The other games are equally as complex: Let’s go there…Awwww! makes a game of pointing to some obscure landmark and exclaiming, “Let’s go there!” followed by a resounding “Awwww” as we speed past the desired destination. The other games, I did it! and ddeeeEEEE!, are just for the sake of hearing their own voices, I think. To my two and four year old, the best games are the least complicated.
They are kids. They enjoy simple things and can literally create fun out of thin air. As a mom, I sometimes find myself making things more difficult than they need to be. I have a thing or two to learn from my kids!
Why do I even try to go to the grocery store when they are hungry and tired? Trips like this are doomed faster than I can say, “I swear I’ll never enter a store with you two again!” Surely there is a simple meal I could scrounge from the cupboard or freezer. And I don’t think I’m alone in regarding the war against clutter a losing battle. Though it is a great feeling to have the entire house tidy at the same time, sometimes I just need to throw everything in a laundry basket and wave the white flag.
Many battles can be averted by planning ahead and organizing (two skills I thought I was good at—before I had kids). Even more so, frustration can be deflated by merely enjoying the simple things. Time I spend creating sidewalk chalk “choo-choo tracks” with Jacob leaves me far more satisfied than time spent trying to keep him from soiling (another) shirt. Playing dance class with Kayla is definitely more enjoyable than burning 3,000 calories as I try to rush everyone to the gym in time for Cardio Kickboxing.
Life as a mother and wife can be complicated, but there are endless was to simplify. Pursue simplicity and seek the peace and rest God promises to provide. Jesus once shared a very freeing and encouraging invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt 11:28-29). Okay, now stop, take a deep breath, read that again, and take it to heart.
In this passage, Jesus had just spoken about things of God that were hidden from the wise and sophisticated. But it pleased God to reveal these “secrets” of His to little children. Children who simply enjoyed life instead of trying to “master” it like their wise and sophisticated elders. It is often difficult to envision the big picture while facing up to tots with inexhaustible energy. So, take Jesus up on His offer and bring your burdens to Him. Ask Him to show you how to simplify and focus on what is truly important.
Taking a small step to simplify–whether planning meals ahead or cutting out an extra activity—will reap rewards. Most importantly, strive to make time (Make time, not Find time) for a quiet moment in the day to reflect on Jesus’ promises. Give your day to Him in prayer; He will give you joy, patience, peace, strength and wisdom. All that God is, He wants to give to you. He wants to BE all that He is through you. He is just waiting for you to ask.
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