*Note: This article is cross-posted from Catholic Mom, where I serve as a monthly contributor. Hop over there to check out everything I’ve written for CM, and to meet some other wonderful Catholic mama writers!
Badges of Honor
Nearly every time I ask someone how they are, I get this same response: “Good — busy!” And then, time allowing, I’ll hear a long list of business trips, kids’ sports practices, and social events that are filling their calendars. Many people almost seem to wear “Busy!” as a badge of honor. Other badges of honor constantly on our minds today include having a large, Pinterest-worthy home, shiny new cars, and as many Instagram followers as possible. All of these pursuits can fill our minds and calendars to overflowing and leave us utterly exhausted.
For Christians, though, it should be simple. All that truly matters is that we (and our loved ones) are loving one another and growing in holiness. That’s it.
What if we used that as a litmus test for everything we were considering taking on? Will adding in soccer practice twice a week help my kids grow in holiness? Will replacing my modest car with a fancy new one help me love others more?
I had a very busy few weeks recently myself. While it was mostly exciting stuff, the rat race really left me feeling worn out and empty. Busily chasing professional goals and filling my schedule with social engagements stole my inner peace. I missed my usual, simple evenings at home with my husband and kids. So allow me to say a few words in defense of The Simple Life.
If You Choose a Simpler Life
If you say “no” to a social event or another activity for your child now and then, you may well feel bored occasionally. But clearing your schedule is the easiest way to open up time for prayer, less-rushed family dinners, and maybe even a few minutes to read a book or enjoy a hot bath. Taking off the “busy” badge by saying no to things helps you foster a beautiful Fruit of the Spirit: peace. Psalm 34:15 tells us, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
For my family, avoiding busyness makes us holier.
If you have a small, simple home and practical cars, you’re not going to hear a lot of oohs and aahs. But it’s an easy way to keep yourself free from the bonds of materialism that can so easily ensnare hearts. In my small house, all five of us are frequently on top of one another because we homeschool and my husband works from home. It can be frustrating, for sure, but we also get so much wonderful family time. Plus, it would be pretty difficult for anyone to get up to anything inappropriate or sinful in my house!
As a single-income family with several kids, we don’t do a lot of travelling, eating out, or expensive extracurriculars. Typically, my only outings are to the grocery store, library, and Mass. To outsiders, my life might seem boring and stale. But I have found that there is so much beauty in routine and simplicity. When we do have a rare date night out or family road trip, it seems extra-special! In between, my husband, kids and I are loving each other and leaving room in our hearts, minds, and schedules for God. We don’t have many badges of honor, but we are quietly growing in holiness, and I am more than OK with that.
