craving simplicity

Reading the post of a dear friend inspired my mind towards simplicity. How I long for simplicity! 

My friend attended a personal silent retreat.  That has been my dream for YEARS.  If I could work it in to my life every year, it would be bliss. 

I am sitting at my downstairs computer.  Stuff piled everywhere.   I walk into the area that used to be our garage.  I can not walk without having to step over or around something - ever.  In the laundry room I duck around piles of drywall, school desks and chairs that need to be refinished.  Upstairs...toys, laundry, books, stuff, stuff, stuff.  Out of size or out of season clothes that need to find a home.  Bags of clothes for good will.  I try to fight the stuff and the stuff fights back harder. 

I live with a carpenter - who is really a full time retail associate and part time student with little time for home projects.  That little time he has at home he wants to spend with kids or needs to spend on school.  Renovations no longer hold the same appeal.  Our fixer upper has not been fixed as fast as I would like.  I am destined to live in construction for years. 

I am so truly blessed to have a house full of love and children.  I am so truly blessed that our needs are met and we have clothes and shoes and socks and clothes and shoes and socks (i meant to do that).  I feel like I need a hoarder intervention.  I am not a hoarder.  I just need that organizing crew. 

Does simplicity start in the mind or in the home? 

This summer we are adding a 6 year old to our family.  No, not a foster child...a friend we are watching for the summer.  It has been a blessing!  Our routine has been strengthened and now I am accountable.  I can't just pound around yelling at my children.  "M" does not have siblings and I think she enjoys our chaos.  It is also helping to simplify.  We are finding a bit of order.  Time for projects.  Time for snacks.  Time for the pool.  This is the first time our summer has felt like a summer.  And...if you knew what my week has been like - you would know this is a pretty miraculous thing!