The freedom of simplicity From exhausted to energised: looking at time From isolated to connected: looking at friendship From stuck to moving on: looking at the seasons of life From restless to fulfilled: looking at work

How are you? Fine..?! Exhausted, busy, overstretched… Can we simplify – restore our energy levels and focus? As believers in Jesus, what do our lives look like?

Bill Hybles: Simplified living is about more than doing less. It’s being who God called us to be, with a wholehearted, single minded focus. It’s about walking away from lesser opportunities in favour of the few to which we’ve been called and for which we’ve been created. It’s a lifestyle that allows us when, our head hits the pillow, to reflect with gratitude that our day was well invested and the responsibilities of our lives are in order.

What does a healthy life look like? How do we leave a healthy legacy for our family? We need clarity about the priorities that anchor us. Know what we are building our lives on. Know what God is inviting us into. Then take action. Simplify…

Luke 10: As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t

you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed - or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Full of drama! Martha’s accusation to Jesus. Lord, don’t you care…? v40 Jesus speaks gently to her. You are worried and upset about many things. v41 I’m here to be with you.

Few things are needed – indeed only one v42 Jesus invites her to sit down with him. Relationship. Mary has chosen what is better. v42 Jesus teaches us about values and priorities in a few short sentences.

How full is your bucket? How long since you felt fully replenished? Full bucket – feel the presence of God, more loving and compassionate, kinder to our family, aware of the holy spirit. Empty bucket – Resentment leading to… irritation, isolation, distraction

When we have holes in our bucket we’re responsible for fixing the patches – with God’s help. Our bucket can’t be fixed by our spouse, boss, friend or church.

All good in theory… How do we make it work in our busy lives? No point in reshuffling the same deck of cards.

As followers of Jesus we have a totally different view on how we spend our time. John 4:34 ‘My food,’ said Jesus, ’is to do the will of him who sent me…’ Eph 5: 15 Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…

Our schedule isn’t about what needs to be done but about who we want to become. How do we invest time to be a …?

John Grisham Painting story Your story..?

From exhausted to energised Prioritise our lives. Think of stones in a jar…

1.Connect with God Come to church. Sit with Jesus. A lifestyle. Have times when we are truly present with him.

2. Connect with spouse & family If we’re too busy for our family, we’re too busy. Broken family – God is reconciler and healer. Date nights with our spouse Counselling

3. Have some fun! Decide Plan for it Do it!