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Finding Peace in Simplicity
Tricia Goss - Guest Writer
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The Amish shun technology in favor of God and family. Now, avoiding electricity and indoor plumbing may seem extreme, and I’m not proposing you swap your minivan for a horse and buggy, but have you ever considered how "things" take up time that might be better spent nurturing your relationship with the Lord?

Do you often feel like you expend more hours sustaining your stuff than you do bonding with your spouse and kids? In your quest for the good life, do you find yourself craving peace? My husband and I are both products of, at best, modest households. As a young couple we were determined to provide our daughter with what we believed to be a better life. We labored many lengthy hours, grabbing overtime whenever it was obtainable. We procured a brand new home, financed four vehicles, and established our own trucking company. We had it all, but no time to enjoy it. Our daughter possessed every plaything, video game, and garment she asked for as we tried to make up for not being there. Children catch on quick, and she milked our guilt for all it was worth, but she wasn’t happy. None of us were. We were drained, stressed, and stretched thin, for trappings bring responsibility, which equals time.

The grand house teeming with custom furnishings must be maintained.

The cars require oil changes and brake jobs and washing.

The dog demands grooming, the pool needs treating, even the 300 cable channels call for watching.

 The Lord is faithful to humble those of us who fail to do so ourselves, it seems. Unforeseen situations such as an emergency surgery and the loss of our primary client meant the forfeiture of our business. Soon we were engulfed in debt. We had no choice but to relinquish everything and start over.

Now we live in a meager rental house with a driveway just long enough for the 20-year-old car we share. Every night we say grace together and our daughter, formerly in therapy for depression, is flourishing. The Lord didn’t lavish us with wealth or possessions to proclaim His love for us. He gave His time, His love, His very life.