Less Is More

For your consideration…

My sister, Lori, says this a lot, “Less is more.” She has recently downsized and moved so she has really put her words into action. When I had my small cottage, everything there had to have a purpose including most of the decorations. Books, puzzles, games, etc. would be used and then taken to Goodwill when I was done with them and on my way out of town. During Covid, I did a big cleaning of my basement. Granted more needs to be done but truckloads of “stuff” was donated, sold, or donated. And now, I love working in my basement. Also during Covid, we were forced into using food and goods we already had versus going to get more. I have to admit, I got a lot of satisfaction “using stuff up.”

Sometimes it is easier to just buy new than dig out what we already have, sort through to find something, or if we don’t remember if we have it or not. We often find we have multiple poultry seasonings, allspice, etc.

When we travel, most people over pack. We bring clothes back home that we never put on but we carried all around with us.

When we plant gardens or do landscaping, we get all wrapped up in the beautiful things we are planting and spend virtually no time thinking about what it will take to maintain it.

You get the picture.

Our message today reminds us that less is often more. Less food, better health. Fewer clothes, easier choices. Less stuff, better focus on what we do have. Simplifying our lives makes it easier to focus. It creates the space for things that we really need.

We are asked to pause before we buy anything. Ask, “Do I really need it?” What will I get rid of in its place? Maybe make a game of it. Before we push the buy button, or buy something in a store, ask the questions and if we resist, take the money we saved and put it in a “I’ve saved account or jar.”

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…

-Affirm…“I am loved.”

-Remember…You are the keeper of the light. Wherever you go, there can be no darkness.

-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Remember, “Less is often more.”

What made me smile yesterday…

-A beautiful day.

-Fun students.

-Dinner with Conner, James, and Alex.

-Finished a book series.

Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris