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Luke 10:42 NLT

'There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.'

One principle has proved effective for me and is best expressed as “the simpler the better”. With slow and reluctant obedience, I’ve simplified my way of life. I radically reduced my considerable library, many books treasured but never read, and then established a daily living routine giving me time to do the “one thing” Jesus describes; the space and time Mary gives to sitting at Jesus’ feet.

Recycling my extensive library made me think through what it was I wanted to read. In listening to, then obeying God, I chose to make choices. I now read many primary sources that speak of deepening friendship with God and have a fresh interest in cosmology. Other books I pass on just as soon as I have read them, or return them to the library. No longer am I pressured by walls of unread books, and I know precisely why I read.

The same practice has influenced the rest of my life. So following pillow talk with God, I get up, light a candle and welcome the light of the world into the day and my life before getting on with practical tasks. These are followed with a further 30 minutes with Jesus as I complete my daily office, which after many years I have constructed from a variety of materials. It suits me and leads me into God’s presence.

The morning is then occupied with my work and at lunch I take ten minutes with God, a meditation on the Lord’s Prayer written by St Francis. No longer do I switch on 24-hour news or watch fruitless TV. After lunch I take an hour attending to household chores before turning to reading and preparing for retreats or simply my own heart so I am ready for those who visit or want to talk with me over Skype. Simplicity creates greater opportunities with God and deepens my faith.

QUESTION: Do you need to simplify your life and focus?

PRAYER: Lord, reveal to me the things I may need to get rid of in order to focus on the things worth being concerned about.