What is Essential?

I have been asking lately, “What is essential”?  What is it that I have to have to live life?  What is the meaning of essential?  So, I decided to look it up.  It means “a thing that is absolutely necessary”.  What is absolutely necessary to have to live life?  Well, there is water and food.  We can only live a few days without food before our bodies shut down.  I like water and food so for me I want to have it daily and 3-5 times daily.  But I don’t have to break the bank to enjoy different varieties and types of food.  As it gets warmer, I’m hoping to have a few pots of herbs and veggies on the back porch.

I have found another website called Living Well Spending Less.  You can find it here:  http://www.livingwellspendingless.com.  She has a book and challenge to spend zero money for 31 days.  You start in your kitchen with food that is already in your pantry.  So I thought I would try to spend zero money for 31 days.  I have to confess that I have spent some on things I wasn’t going to.  It is much harder than you might think.  The items I spent money on were things that I typically buy but hugely discounted so I figured it was ok.  Now, back to no spending.  Ok, so you also make a menu plan for the 31 days and use the foods that are in your pantry/freezer/refrigerator.  Because I eat lots of fruits and vegetables, then I have allowed myself to spend a small amount for the month purchasing those things when I run out.  So far, it is going good!  I have discovered things like spices that I have been using and getting creative with some dishes.

Going back to what is essential, I want to enjoy the things (and I have lots of things) that I already own.  I don’t want the things I have to own me.  I want to enjoy them, but not feel burdened by owning them.  So I will continue this year to ask myself, “Is this item absolutely necessary for me to live life?”  I will “go shopping” in the things that I already have.  I will think about the things and be creative with what I own.  I’m actually excited about the challenge and can’t wait to see what creativity will come.

Also, in this process I see that I will be leaving some things behind and choosing not to carry them with me this year.  I will spend time decluttering things but also ways of doing things that do not work.  Decluttering words from my past that have paralyzed me in where the LORD is taking me.  Being free to run through the fields of grace.  I want this year to be a year of celebrating abundant living on less instead of more.  A simple life vs. complexity.  An intentional and purposeful life.  Resting.  Relaxing.  Listening.  Trusting.  Won’t you join me on this challenge?  Let me know what things you are learning that are essential for you and your family.

Ephesians 3:19-20 NLT  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.  Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.  Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.