Too Much

Lately I've been reading a lot about having too much. Too much stuff, technology, food, etc. I'm currently reading 7 by Jenn Hatmaker and #Struggles by Craig Groeschel. I have to agree with both of them, I fill my time with too much stuff. Too many hours spent scrolling on social media, too much time spent trying to decide on an outfit - looking through a lot of clothes that I don't like or don't fit me anymore that I never wear! Even my kids have too much- too many toys to even be interested in playing with half of them. If I'm being honest... I didn't buy most of them, they were gifts from grandparents (though they are appreciated!). The kids may not know it but they are overwhelmed with the amount of stuff they have too. They prefer to play outside, to spend their time collecting rocks and sticks and creating toys from random things they find rather than playing with toys they have. And don't even get me started on how we spend too much money at the grocery store. I really dislike meal planning and cooking which usually results in a hodge podge of things I come home with, some of which doesn't always get used! I can see the need to cut back. I'm not even talking minimalism. More or less just living a more simplified and intentional life. Looking into the eyes of the people around us rather than looking at them through the lens of a smartphone camera or glancing at them as though they are a distraction from the pictures we are scrolling through on social media. When this life is done, it will not matter whose posts I liked on Instagram, but it will matter that I shepherded the hearts of my children. That I pointed them to God through my actions and with my heart. I want to spend my days counting my blessings, living in the moment - free from the nagging feeling that I have to document each and every thing we do. Why do I have that feeling? What are the reasons behind what we post? Is it to encourage others? Or is it more self seeking? To see how many likes we can get? To show everyone that we do fun things in life and create jealousy? I want to wake up talking to Jesus, not scrolling through what I may have missed on Instagram. I want to enjoy the sunset without having to capture it and post it. When did we become a generation who is so addicted to our phones? I have no idea what I will do with this right now. I'm trying to make one intentional choice at a time until I realign my priorities. God first. Lord, help me to accept the blessings you have given me (the moments and the tangible). Help me to appreciate them and not turn them into something self seeking. Help me to live with less so that I may have more. More You, more time, more focus on what matters. Amen.