Life in the "Fast" Lane!

I worked in the early 1980’s at Madison Bank and Trust Company, with a man and woman originally from England, for about five years. I was leaving work one day and all three of us were clocking out at the same time. Our conversation started with me asking them, "Do you miss England"? They both smiled and said, “Yes”; however, we moved to the United States to be closer to our children and grandchildren”.

We carried on about a thirty minute conversation about their journey here and the struggles they faced along the way. None of the travel came easy though. His wife became ill, they did not have a permanent place to live, and they could not work until they received citizenship. The husband mentioned, “Through all of this, we lived off of our savings! Of course they overcame the obstacles, because they understood “Salvation”!

Working was not an option either; however, they obtained a small loan to purchase a house and wanted to eliminate any debt. Within 6 months of our conversation, the debt was going to be "paid in full", so they were anxious to be free of labor and loans. I sincerely benefited from the knowledge and wisdom they freely offered and gained a lifetime "affirmation"! Before we departed our ways, he said, “Keep your life simple”!  He didn’t have to elaborate any further, because I immediately knew what he meant.

The American way ~ seek employment, buy a house, purchase two to three cars, borrow money to travel, and spend beyond our means! The majority of us work 50 to 60 hours a week, lack sleep, neglect family, avoid proper eating and proper hydration~ Why? 

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 KJV

There is a TV show on HGTV called, “Off the Grid”. I’ve watched only two episodes; and although one family chose to live in the Sahara Dessert and the other family chose to live in Fuji their goals were the same~ to eliminate a lifestyle of “anxiety”! The families in both of these episodes commented, “We have no stress, we spend “more” time together, we communicate with each other instead of watch TV (which was obsolete before), and we do not regret the move”!  

For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large, and your silver and gold have multiplied, that is the time to watch out that you don't become proud and forget the Lord your God who brought you out of your slavery in the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 8:12-14 TLB