[/caption] This morning, together with other members of the Mustard Seed House, I have been making yoghurt, organizing shelves and sorting through my last year’s seeds to see what I need to buy for the garden this year – a thoroughly domesticated and relaxing morning. Unfortunately these are all activities that tend to get scuttled when life gets too busy, partly because in our modern frantic world we place little value on domestic chores. But they are incredibly valuable. They draw us closer to each other and God’s world, reduce stress and save money too, making it possible for us all to live simply and more enjoyably on far less than most economists think is possible. And on top of that a morning spent like this is great fun. Now as I relax with a magazine for an afternoon of reading, I find myself drawn to an article on homemade prosperity which basically talks about how cooking from scratch, growing your own food and cutting out the consumer clutter can transform our households and our world. There is a whole new movement sweeping the Western world in which people everywhere are cutting back on their involvement in the cash economy, bartering, swapping, growing and cooking their own and generally learning to live with less. In the process they are discovering that they can take control of their lives again and learn a much better way of life than the consumer rat race offers. I think that Christians should be at the forefront of this movement and applaud those in the new monastic orders like Word Made Flesh, Servants with the Poor and InnerCHANGE who have been trying to tell us for years that there is a better way of life that God wants us to be a part of. In God’s economy it is not how much stuff we have that is important, it is the relationships, the interactions of loving and caring that really matter. I would be very interested to know what you think of this movement and how you view God’s economy. What value do you place on simplicity, relaxation, relationship and how do you interpret these values in the light of your faith? (Source: GODSPACE – thanks Christine!)]]>
Yes. It’s an imperative for me in following Jesus – to move towards using only a fair share of the earth’s resources. Hard progress, un-learning “consumer consciousness”, it’s like learning how to live all over again. Hang on, didn’t Jesus say something about that? 🙂
Hard work but joy in it, from obedience to God.
Alice: Yep- I agree it’s almost like ‘being converted’ anew (culturally) to the values of Jesus’ Gospel and His kingdom. I deeply suspect that while there may be a point at which we enter into a covenant with GOD- it seems I am always being converted in new ways- converted in the sense that Jesus spoke of it- he said: ‘you have to become like little kids’- humble, simple, trusting, open-hearted- a life unhindered by the pursuit of wealth and power and more things. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! -shalom!
By the way – I also know Jesus spoke of becoming ‘born again’ as a spiritual reality- so I think that comes first but becoming like children in His kingdom seems much more practical.
Thanks for this article – it’s just the type of reminder and in a way affirmation that I need. I totally agree and especially resonated with your thought that our culture places little value on domestic chores.
I’ve recently downsized (now that my kids are grown and on their own) to a smaller house which is certified green built, solar powered and heated and takes advantage of rainwater harvesting. The amazing thing is I’m in an urban area (Raleigh NC). I built this house to show that Creation care is not only important, but possible in a wide variety of settings.
I am devoting a significant amount of time to ramping up my Square Foot Gardening on the 600 or so square feet I have available for planting on my city lot and will try to grow as much of my food as I can.
Thanks for the encouragement – most of the culture around me thinks this is all interesting, but a little odd! I’m enjoying simplifying life little by little, and the freedom to give to the needs of others that comes with that.
Hi Scott, thanks for stopping by. Sounds like you are making some great strides. I like your last comment especially -that simplifying your life leads to an increased ability to be hospitable and extend mercy to others. That’s what it’s all about- sustainability and intentional living in the context of our households is not for us alone- it’s is a means to mutual care and reaching out- Keep walking the walk!