by Dona Hake
This image is probably one of my favorites of flowers that I have ever shot. It certainly is not the most beautiful flower I have ever seen, but the image speaks a quiet and beautiful message to my heart. One damp, overcast day I was driving and it caught my eye. Standing alone it reminded me to stop and observe the simple beauties of life. You know, we could probably all admit that we do not do this enough. I am purposing more and more to just keep as much simplicity in my life that I can.
As I try to keep myself reminded to keep things simple, I am ever on guard to see when my mind is tempted to be cluttered with unnecessary things. If we allow certain thoughts to stay too long in our minds, they can be birthed into cares. We just need to decide which thoughts are worthy of remaining in our minds. The Bible tells us to think good things, things that are honest, truthful, full of virtue, etc… These are the thoughts that you want to take permanent residence in your mind. They are well worthy of keeping!
1 Peter 5:7 reveals another secret to keep our heart and mind in a state of peace and simplicity.
1 Peter 5:7 (AMP)
“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties,
all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all]
on Him, for He cares for you affectionately
and cares about you watchfully.”
The beautiful secret this translation speaks is to cast the WHOLE of your care. Have you ever cast (or at least convinced yourself that you did) your care to find you keep thinking about it? If we do not cast the whole care toward Him, we therefore hold onto a bit of it. This will never be conducive to a quieted mind. I believe as we purpose to keep our mind and hearts refreshed, clean and in order, we will enjoy what simplicity really means. Lord, help us to rid of the unnecessary things that keep our attention and take up room in our hearts and minds. God bless you!
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