A Quiet Life?

Is a quiet life possible? Is it an oxymoron? My first instinct was to dismiss the concept, just as my first instinct was to dismiss the Marie Kondo method of "tidying up" when my daughters told me the show was a Netflix must-see.

Part of Marie Kondo's philosophy is the following: "Tidy your space, transform your life."

Let's actually consider these words in light of the following scripture:

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." 
~ I Thessalonians 4:11-12

Mulling over this advice with a cup of coffee, it makes sense. I don't have to overschedule and be run ragged to fulfill my purpose. On the contrary, I may actually fulfill my purpose better by keeping calm and taking care of "my own business."

These words from Paul to the Thessalonians share the same message, and they actually go a step further. Tidy your own life, so that you may influence others. (These verses come immediately after Paul complimenting them on their ability to show brotherly love and challenging them to "do so more and more."{verses 9-10})

Having four children, my life may never actually be quiet, but I know that I can certainly do some "tidying" in this area that will benefit not only me, but my family, those around me, and most importantly, my witness for Christ.

Why not give it a try this month? Let's make it our ambition to lead a quiet life.