Recently I listened to a 7-part podcast series on creating a life you love (link to the podcast here) and I finished up the last episode today during my morning walk. It made me think about how to use the talents and resources I’ve been given not only to make life more fulfilling for me and my family, but also more fulfilling for others. It’s too easy to be caught up in ambition, money, and material possessions while ignoring the fact that we have a responsibility to others: a responsibility to love our neighbor and serve our fellow-man.
I’ll admit, it’s a constant struggle within me to live with less, downsize our earthly things, and live a simple life. I wonder if my house is too big, whether I should own less clothing, or if I should pare down the kids’ toys. But the truth is, it’s not so much about what I own as it is the status of my heart. Do I freely give of my time and money to those who need it? Do I love those who are unlovable? Do I think of myself as better-than simply because I have more? If I’m honest with myself, I find that I hold too tightly to things instead of people. I’m not as generous as I should be and not as kind-spoken as I’d like to be. Thankfully, I am a work-in-progress and I know God is working on me and through me to make me the person he wants me to be. He is refining me with his word and teaching me things all the time, even through my small children.
The last month has been eye-opening for me. Since I left my job with my former company, I’ve realized that home is where I need to be, at least for this season in my life. I’ve become closer to my kids and my patience has increased since I’m not torn between work obligations and home. I have time to plan and cook healthy meals for my family, and I say yes to multiple games of hide-and-seek when I would have said no before. I’m learning to be in the moment and enjoy this life with my family. I’ve also taken the time to cook for new mothers and help clean a new dwelling place for a friend.
Put simply, I’m learning to create a life I love by giving of myself and serving people with needs around me.
Kelly M. Lyle 