Setting the Stage for a Journey Toward Simplicity

Have you ever felt that inner nudge—the quiet pull toward something less? Less clutter. Less noise. Less busyness. Maybe you’ve looked around at your overstuffed calendar or your overwhelmed heart and thought, There has to be a better way.

If so, you're not alone.

That longing for less is what started my own journey toward simplicity. It began not with a major life overhaul, but with a whisper. Years ago, as I was knee-deep in writing a book about teaching children to read, God gently spoke one word into the noise of my life: less.

At first, I thought He meant to keep my writing simple and concise. So, I did just that—I created a short booklet for parents, something practical and helpful. I assumed that was the end of it.

But God wasn’t done.

Over time, I realized that "less" wasn’t just a suggestion for my writing. It was an invitation for my life. And ironically, I had to learn that lesson by living the opposite way.

I filled my days with more. More responsibilities. More travel. More food. More striving. I ran hard and fast, thinking I was doing what needed to be done. But the more I added, the more I lost my sense of peace and purpose.

It was in that space of overload and overwhelm that I started to understand: God often shapes us through our wilderness seasons. The moments that feel like detours are often where He does His deepest work. Like Jonah, I had to run in the wrong direction before I could find the right one.

And now, as I reflect back, I see that the call to “less” is really a call to more—more clarity, more connection, more Christ.

So if you find yourself longing for something simpler, you’re in good company. This journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. And it starts with just one step—setting the stage to listen to that still, small voice.

What might your “less” look like today?

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🌿 Begin with Less: A Quiet Invitation to Reflect

As you consider your own journey, take a moment to pause and listen. Below are three questions to help you uncover what “less” might mean in your life right now:

1. Where in my life do I feel the weight of “more”?

Think about the areas where busyness, clutter, or striving are stealing your peace. Is it your schedule, your thoughts, your to-do list?

2. When have I heard a whisper from God—and how did I respond?

Was there a moment where you sensed a gentle nudge toward slowing down, letting go, or shifting focus? What did that look like?

3. What might simplify my life without compromising what matters most?

Consider one small, intentional change that could create space—for rest, for people, or for God’s presence.

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