God blessed us with the most wonderful vacation in Calgary and Banff. We were able to spend time away from Vancouver, look back over the past four months, and rest. It is unbelievable what God has accomplished since our move. We truly feel grateful for all the love and support we have on this journey, as well as grateful for God’s constant reassurance and direction.

As we came back into the city last night, Alastair and I started sharing our hopes for the next few months. There are so many things up in the air that it was hard to nail down even our hopes. At the end of a long walk we felt God simply calling us to pray and follow him.

Such simplicity. Pray and follow.

Simplicity does not come without difficulty, however. In fact I think simplicity requires the most self-discipline. It is learning when to say no. No, I do not need to go shopping. No, I do not need another cookie. No, let’s not watch another Mad Men, even though I really really want to see what happens next! It is saying no to things for the moment, to push our energy and effort towards one or maybe two things.

For me, simplicity asks me to deny myself the pleasure of charts and graphs and maps and 10 point plans that detail every step I should take to accomplish my goals. Simplicity says be still, trust God with today, pray and follow.

As always, my blogs tend to be more about my weaknesses than my strengths. This platform of writing is such a gift for self-reflection, sharing, and asking for help from God and others. Simplicity is another point where I have room to grow; or maybe room to scale back?

My mind is usually full of thoughts and daydreams and plans about what’s for dinner, future career options, and checking off my “to do” list. Slowing all that junk down is like stopping a steam engine. But it is doable.

Simplicity is such a great gift for us. Especially for us Westerner’s who always have the option for more and bigger and newer and better. I am excited for this next month, for time to simply pray and follow. I am praying for self-control, to cut out all my planning and scheming and juggling and vain pursuits, so I can focus on the things God has called me to do.

Or so I can just focus on God.

Pray and follow.