Simplicity Post-Christmas

When volunteers come to the Farm they are immediately immersed in a simpler culture and lifestyle, encouraged to put aside anything that may distract them from forming stronger relationships with God, themselves and those joining them on this immersion experience. Usually those distractions include things such as e-mail, iPods, music, cell phones, TV, and other technological advances. But they also expand to any expectation or stressor that may be hindering their ability to open up to what God has in store and grow.

As we officially close the Christmas season today with the Baptism of the Lord Jesus, we reflect upon the new life that Christmas brought us this year. It can be difficult to not think of all the physical gifts we may have received and lose sight of all the relationships that we formed and developed this season. It can be even more difficult to continue this aspect of simplicity when we are given so much, especially when those gifts are things we not only enjoy but things we need. (Most people say things like socks are a tacky and not so exciting gift, but I definitely asked for them this year because I really needed some nice wool socks to get through the cold winter - one example). However, it is still possible to life simply among all these gifts. In the spring time we often hear the phrase "spring cleaning," but sometimes I wonder if it is really necessary to wait until the spring. Having received so much this Christmas, why don't we reflect on those who may have so little, or who would much more appreciate those things that we may not need or use? I'd encourage you to reflect upon that question. Then take some time to look through all your belongings, your clothes especially. Lay them all out even and ask yourself which of the items just sit in your closet all year. Gather those items together that you may not often use or even need in the first place and donate them. Call a local jail or shelter, or even St. Vincent DePaul or Goodwill. Not only can this help out locally, but it also reaches out to those in need while also simplifying your own life.

We are frequently reminded that the most important part of Christmas is our relationships with our family and friends. However, it is too easy to only focus especially on that during the Christmas season. But Christmas is a time of birth, a time of new life - not of life and death. And so then we must extend the new life of Christmas beyond the Christmas season and into our daily lives all year long. Jesus begins that process by being baptized by John the Baptist and we can too by living simply.