I am linking up for the Five Minute Friday. The FMF is hosted by Kate Motaung over at our Five Minute Friday website. Today’s word prompt is “simplify.” We would love to have you join us.
January 12, 2010 began like any other day in Haiti. Little did anyone know that an earthquake would hit and change the course for many. That day is forever etched in my head and heart as my friend Renee, her (deceased) husband Ben, and Ben’s cousin Jon where in Haiti for a J-term course. Ben lost his life that day. Ben and the reality of this day along with the promise of resurrection hope remind me to simplify my life and focus on what is truly important.
My 2018 one word hygge is calling me to simply be present in the moment; to simplify my own life. It’s about being, in the words of Shauna Niequest, present rather than perfect. It’s about being content with where one is because we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. It’s about not being in a hurry but slowing down.
Life can be so chaotic. Sometimes (read: most of the time) God is calling us to simplify. We forget that it’s ok to say no. We forget that life is a journey not a destination. We forget that we don’t have to do everything. God is calling us to slow down; to live in each moment as it comes. It’s about simplifying our days.
So tomorrow, as the sun rises and we remember the Haiti earthquake, i can’t help but simplify my morning. Instead of turning on my tv and rushing off to work, I’ll dwell in my day off and let the words of Ben’s song “Mourning into Dancing” wash over me. It’s a simple way to remember Ben and all who lost their lives eight years ago as the earth shook in Haiti.
Listen along with me, friends! (Mourning into Dancing by Ben Larson)
Thank you for sharing this, Tara! It’s so easy to forget events like Haiti unless you have a personal connection. I am so sorry for losing your friend that day. Lots of comfort for your today!
And I agree, simplification is so important and sadly, we sometimes need life’s reminders to help us with that.
Happy new year, friend! May it be full of hygge for you!
Thank You! Happy New Year to you too!
Tara, what a sensitive post you’ve written. I’m glad you’ve brought to our memories the devastation of the earthquake in Haiti. And the promise of eternity with a loving God. This is simlicity at its best.
Thank You!
Thank you for sharing this tribute to your friend. Yes, my word is present for 2018. So, your words really encouraged me. I hope that you have a lovely weekend!
I am glad that my words encouraged you. Hope you had a lovely weekend too!
Taking time to remember… I don’t often categorize that as simplification but you are so right… Such an important part of clearing clutter.
Right?!?!
I’m grateful you remind us – so easy to forget these catastrophic events.
Thanks! xoxo
Tara I join you in your journey to simplify. Your post is sweet but sad. I am sending you a hug from rainy PA☁☁☁Your writing sister in Him, Julie
Thank You!
Great examples of how to simplify by focusing on what’s really important! Thanks for sharing. I’m your neighbor today at FMF (#8)
Thank You and You’re welcome!
I really appreciate you saying that it’s OK to say no. Yesterday a friend contacted me to see if I had some time to get together. Technically I did, but I’d just got home from a meeting and felt I needed down time, so I said no. Another time, when I feel more up to it, will be better. All of your tips about simplifying are really good – thanks.
It truly is. It has taken me a long time to learn to say “no” but there are days that it is just necessary. Good for you for saying no. You will meet with your friend when you are more up to it.
I am sad that you have this event that ties in to the post for this week. But later you touched on our penchant to forget the important and dwell on the unimportant and I see the memorial stones you set up to remember your friend and what God calls us to keep in mind. Thanks for this post.
The memorial stones…I love that! Thank You! And you are so welcome!
The life lessons we learn from tragedies are huge. You are learning the importance of being present not only as part of your word for the yearbut in life lessons that will always stick with you. Thank you for sharing your heart.
They truly are. And thank you!
Tara, your moving words honour Ben in the best possible way. And as you lean into a lifestyle of learning how to savour and be more fully present in the moment, you will be enjoying life’s simple pleasures as a sacrament of grace and with a mindful, eternal awareness, which is a wonderful thing to experience. Bless you, friend. xo
Thank You! Bless you too friend! xoxo
I remember that day. I remember how horrified and powerless I felt. It would be so much easier to tune out what’s going on in the rest of the world and hide. But I can’t. We can’t. Thank you for reminding us of this today.
Me too! So true, we can’t!
I love the way you expressed this word “simplify”. Each day is for God, with God and of God. God says, ” I am right there with you.” No matter what we go through. And I feel for you for sure.
Blessings
Janis
#54
And it doesn’t seem that long ago. Wow!
Thanks! Blessings to you too!
Thank you for sharing your memories on this date, Tara. And the comfort of living “hygge” appeals to me, especially in the winter. Simplicity brings its own comfort, knowing God is enough.
Right! Hygge really is a gift in the winter months. I am finding that more and more as I live into this very word. Knowing God is indeed enough!
I remember that day, Tara. A friend of a friend’s husband died in that earthquake, while the co-worker he was there with survived. We prayed for him and for their young family. The tears, the heartache . . . the earthquake impacted many.
I completely agree with your determination to be present in each moment, Tara. Have a great day off tomorrow!
Wow. I didn’t know of anyone else who knew someone who died until you shared about your friend of a friend’s husband. The earthquake did impact many. My day off–Fridays are always good! 🙂
great post tara:) i remember when that earthquake hit. knew people who had friends who died in that earthquake. so sad when these poor countries are hit with something like that.
Thank You!
What a good take on the word simplify. I also will be remembering a friend I lost recently this weekend at his memorial. May I take what you said here to heart!
I hope you were able to remember your friend well.
Thanks, it went well. And I feel like I was able to live out his legacy of friendship and generosity over the weekend too. That felt good. Thanks for checking back.
Tara, it must be hard to remember this esp. since you lost a friend. Hugs to you! I’m glad we share the same #oneword this year. Maybe we can encourage each other.
Blessings to you! xo
Thank You! I too am glad we are sharing the same one word this year! Blessings to you too! xoxo
Tara thank you for sharing your view of the word simplify. I pray for comfort for you and your friends who are remembering Ben and his tragic loss. Thank you for sharing the link to Ben’s song too. I think having the page title Ben Still Sings is a wonderful tribute.
Blessings,
Kelly
Thank You! I love that Ben Still Sings is the name of the website too. Blessings to you too!
Praying for your heart, Tara.
Thanks Andrew!
Thanks, Tara! Events like these do bring things into perspective, and being present in the moment and making time for people is so important.
You’re welcome! And indeed so important!
Thank you for sharing! It’s nice to meet you.
Traci Little
http://www.tracimichele.com
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by!