The Secret to True Happiness: Enjoy Today, Embrace Tomorrow by Joyce Meyer & Sandra McCollom

Author:Joyce Meyer & Sandra McCollom
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Hapiness
ISBN: 9781600248597
Publisher: Faith Words
Published: 2009-09-21T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 16

Keep It Simple

“In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the

supreme excellence is simplicity.”

—HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW

Years ago, I lived a very complicated life. For

example, there were many times I wanted to have

people to our home on the weekends for times of

recreation, relaxation, and enjoying each other’s

company. More often than not, though, when these

get-togethers were over, I ended up exhausted! Why?

Because I did not know how to live a simple life. I say

my life was complicated, but the truth is, I

complicated my life. My approach to life needed to

change so I could enjoy it.

The ideas I had started out simple. Dave and I would

ask one or two couples over for a simple outdoor

barbecue. But then I added others to the invitation

list because I did not want anyone’s feelings to be

hurt. Before the group arrived, I decided the house

had to be immaculate, so I cleaned everything in

sight. I thought the lawn needed to be perfectly

manicured, so I made sure it was. Then I wanted new

patio furniture—or at least a fresh coat of paint on

the old furniture. Then I made sure all the children

looked as though they had just stepped off the pages

of a magazine. Of course, I also felt I needed to be

wearing just the right outfit and to have every hair in

place.

When it came to preparing the food, I started with an

easy menu—something like hamburgers on the grill,

a bowl of baked beans, some potato chips, and a

store-bought dessert. But I always changed my plans,

because I wanted to impress my guests. I bought

steaks instead of hamburgers and spent considerable

time making homemade potato salad and enough

additional side dishes to feed a small army. Where

drinks were concerned, I did not believe iced tea,

water, coffee, and lemonade were sufficient, so I

made sure we also offered four or five different

kinds of soda pop. By the time my guests arrived, I

was too tired to enjoy them and at times found

myself resenting them for being there!

Even during their visit, I kept working. If they

walked into my kitchen, I practically followed them

with a broom to make sure they did not track crumbs

onto my carpets. If they put down a glass, I snatched

it up and washed it. Then I had the nerve to resent

everyone else because I was working so hard and

they were enjoying themselves! I ended up hosting

parties I didn’t enjoy, for people we were not even

close to, and with food we couldn’t afford. I was an

expert when it came to complicating simple things.

After many experiences such as the one I just

described, I came to a point in my life where I knew

God was dealing with me about simplicity. I began to

realize more and more how complicated my life was

—and that it was my fault. I also realized life was not

likely to change. If I wanted things to be different

and life to be simpler so I could enjoy it, I would have

to do the changing.

If I want things to be different and life

to be simpler so I can enjoy it, I will have

to do the changing.

Not only were my actions and activities complicated,

my thought processes were complicated.

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