Oh happy day!
At the end of the year I read a book that really made me start thinking about “things.” Specifically the fact that I have become a real consumer. Even living in Europe where I don’t do as much shopping per se, I have found that I am able to offset local shopping with the finger tip access I have to all of the online goodness.
The book is titled “Seven.” The author Jen Hatmaker took on a personal challenge to fast from seven specific focuses. She fasted from clothes, spending, waste, food, possessions, media and stress. The book is written based on her personal account or journal of how she fasted and how it impacted her life. She got me thinking and asking, why do I have so many clothes? She inspired me to actually start recycling. I was convicted about how much time I spend on media. And, now I am thinking of starting to compost! Something I had never considered before.
Ultimately she is spreading the message that we are called toward Christ-like simplicity and generosity. It is not a guilt trip, but a motivational word to get you thinking about our modern-day diseases of greed, materialism, and overindulgence. It will get you thinking about Jesus’ version of rich, blessed and generous.
Jen’s site and blog are where you can find more information and also get a snapshot about who Jen is and what else she is doing. You might have heard of a TV network called HGTV? The book also has a workbook that is designed for people (like me) to take Seven and apply it in their own lives. I am excited to be going through the workbook with my Bible Study group for the next few months. I have also added implementing seven as one of my goals for the year. I want to simplify not just for organizational purposes, but for the bigger purpose of minimizing my carbon foot print and ultimately being a bigger light for Jesus.
So, just a little seed I wanted to plant. Maybe this is something some of you may feel prompted to pick up. For me it really opened my eyes and frankly I just want to hang out with Jen. She is that kind of girl. Fun, honest and down to earth.
I hope you enjoy your happy day!
Less IS More.