Grateful for simplicity

Today, I am grateful for simplification.If fifty-three years has taught me anything, it has taught me the value of simplification.I remember a time when I realized that I had way too many things happening around me. I had too many payments going out. I had too many projects looming. I had to many tasks assigned. I just had some much complexity in my life that each thing in my life suffered because of it.As I reduced those things to consolidate things like payments and narrowed tasks I found a peace in the simplicity.I had discovered in myself a willingness to choose complexity to avoid change. Which of course did not work. I would just add another thing on rather than prioritize. I would force additional work to avoid making choices.For instance, I went through a time in life when I was not available much for God, church, family, or friends. I felt constantly stressed and even more frustrated. I was in school, driving a truck over the road and gone 5-6 days a week, trying to balance work on our farm, activities for the kids, and time with my wife. Not to mention the multiple projects I personally wanted to get done and the volunteer opportunities I was being asked to fulfill. I tried to accomplish all of it. I also gained weight (all the way up to 289lbs), developed type 2 diabetes, ended up on antidepressants, and struggled with my commitment to anything.It was then that God helped me to see the need for priority and simplification. He walked me through a time of honest reflection and even more honest decision. I sat down and wrote out the priorities He had for me.1. My relationship with Him.2. My relationship with my wife.3. My relationship with my kids.4. My relationship with my church.All other things would flow downhill from these four.That meant several things in my life would have to change or be let go of. I found a job off the road. I sold my horses. I reduced the projects. I reoriented everything around the top four priorities. I simplified my life to find the greater satisfaction they offered.In the simplifying, I found balance and importance.Complexity seldom leads to satisfaction. What do you need to simplify today?Matthew 6:31-34, "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."Today, I am grateful for simplicity.Jason Spade is pastor of Colonial Heights Baptist Church.