A Return to Simple

 I think Instagram must surely tire of trying to recommend accounts to me, because my interests are all over the place on accounts I follow. Hair people, big families, moms of multiples, Bible teachers, cute puppies, coffee shops, boutiques, curriculum, people I know, people I don't...there truly isn't a rhyme or reason. 

But recently I've enjoyed following a few accounts of people who feel called to a much simpler way of life. I love their accounts because I love the breath my heart takes when I land on their sweet simple lifestyles.

One of those accounts is @kellyhavensohio (if you want to follow along too) and I wanted to quote part of her post for yesterday. It stopped me in my tracks and make me think...hard!

Kelly was preparing for her husband's 30th birthday, and her goal was to prepare, as Scripture admonishes, with "the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit."

She said, in part, "As I pressed maple leaves for a garland, made a pumpkin cheesecake, and bound pages for a family book, I worked only as fast as a gentle and quiet spirit allowed, for that is how I wanted to adorn the house."

She caught my attention with the maple leaf garland, and I knew I wanted to come back to that, but I also stopped to think about how many times I have rushed around madly, trying to make something so perfect for Ryan, but I did NONE of it with a gentle and quiet spirit. I wasn't able to enjoy, because I was stressing over finding perfection.

I kept reading: "Then the day came. I heard the slow, strong steps in the upstairs hall. I was a little nervous. There was no chalkboard, no balloons, no pile of presents yet. The leaf garland was in pieces on the ironing board. Measuring bowls and spoons coated the table. I really wanted to make him feel loved. Was a hug and a cup of piping hot spiced cider enough?...I ran into his arms. Oh, yes! His eyes said it all. It absolutely was." 

She shared more about their day together and then concluded with this: "When I asked him what his favorite part of the day was, he said, 'Ohhhhh I loved it all. But what I loved most was seeing my wife so happy.'"

I may be (rightly) accused of being the lover of celebration around here. When we had a little party for WillowBridge (as in the building) when it turned two years old, one of our tenants walked in, saw the streamers and signs and said, "I can tell Bekah has been here." I love it that people know I love to celebrate, but I also know I need to remember how to find beauty in the simplest of celebrations. 

Leaf garlands, homemade desserts, and hours of conversations. That's as delightful as something so much more elaborate!

So grateful for that post...so I thought Id share it with you, in case you need to be reminded that simple can be sweetest!