The thought came to me recently, while contemplating a number of upcoming decisions, how much I miss some of the simplicity of my younger years. There was a clearly defined structure to my days that didn’t require or even allow for many decisions. For much of my life, at least through college, school created the structure of my days. School followed a schedule, and a teacher told me what to study and what assignments to complete. The rest of my time was mine to use as I wanted.
Of course, in a way that’s still true today. There are still things I simply need to do, and there’s still free time to use as I choose. But most things are more complicated than that. The most important decisions my husband and I make on a daily or weekly basis—what to save money for and what to invest money in, which goals to prioritize, what relationships to invest in, how to spend our time—aren’t ones that anyone will make for us. There’s no clear single path to follow, and no one will be grading the paths we take.
There’s another thing I sometimes miss about being younger: how clear and simple everything used to seem. I asked questions expecting a straightforward answer, and I was usually given one. Today, many of the questions I care most about don’t have simple or satisfying answers. Some of them don’t have answers at all, at least not ones I can understand.
Thankfully, I didn’t spend too much time romanticizing the simplicity of the “good old days.” The gentle voice of the Spirit nudged me to pause, to remember that those days, even if sometimes simpler, weren’t actually better than life is now. And those simple answers didn’t necessarily satisfy, even then.
What I was actually struggling with is God’s gift of freedom—the freedom to learn and grow in a never-ending journey into what the Bible calls wisdom. To learn how to live and thrive in God’s world, not through easy answers or simply following rules, but through experience and time.
Wisdom, the Bible tells us, is both a gift (James 1:5) and God’s invitation and calling to everyone (Proverbs 4:7). It’s using the freedom God’s given us to explore new territory where we can be constantly learning and growing.
The Bible itself is a reminder that God wants more from us than merely memorizing simple answers and following rules. If that’s what God wanted, Scripture would be a set of rules and easy answers. Instead, inspired Scripture is a diverse collection of stories, proverbs, poetry, letters, and prophetic visions—each revealing a different angle of the beauty and complexity of God and life in His world.
Growing in wisdom is possible because the world is founded on God’s grace and goodness. In that world, it’s okay to use our freedom to learn and grow, to make mistakes and learn from them. And as the books of Ecclesiastes and Job show us, it’s okay—important even—to ask hard questions honestly, and to let God’s grace meet us there.
Living out “the freedom and glory of the children of God” (Romans 8:21) isn’t easy or simple, but it is more than worth it. Remembering all of that helped me in that moment—and I hope it helps you too in those moments when we’re all tempted to want something easier and simpler than the lives we’ve been given. Instead of responding to those overwhelming moments by wishing our lives were simpler or easier, we can take a step back and lift up thanks to God for trusting us with the gift of freedom. We can look for the quiet, gentle ways the Spirit is guiding us through the complexity of our current situation. We can celebrate the beauty and grace that’s all around us.
And we can lift up a prayer asking God to bring us hope and joy down the rest of our journey. Yes, life could be simpler; we could be given a simple clearcut set of rules to follow and a world where all our questions were easily answered. But we’ve been given something far better: a world of rich diversity and complexity, where our growth is only limited by our willingness to follow God deeper into paths unknown.
—Written by Monica LaRose. Used by permission from the author.
9 Responses
These are helpful insights for me because I often “mourn” the loss of simpler times. I sometimes can’t believe how quickly time has passed and how I’m no longer the Mom of a young or school-aged child (years I so enjoyed), but the Mom of a man finishing college (also wonderful but different). I’ll share this article with my son, too, as he is on the cusp of moving from the less simple life and is feeling both anxiety and excited anticipation. Your words, Monica are an encouragement to both my son and me.
The word I chose to concentrate on this year was "simplify." It meant that I would choose those activities and interests that would be best used for God’s glory. I found my writing and reading were the most compelling activities that would enhance my spiritual walk with the Lord. Yes, it was easier growing up to be in a structured day where school and then later work dictated how to use my time. Once retired, I knew I had to be mindful of the days and use the time wisely. God is so good to give me time and space to enhance my writing and then to read the Word and other books that edified my spiritual life. Following the Lord brings me to where He knows I can be strengthened to glorify His name.
Love this, thanks Kathleen.
God’s word and wisdom is eternal, thanks for the reminder.
Wow, what a blessing! This is really good! I sure have wanted a syllabus at times during life after college but I really like your fresh perspective on wisdom. ❤
Boy! Oh boy! Did I need to read this today! Thank you so much for sharing thisd
I’m so glad it was helpful!
Life was simpler and I do reach back to what works for me now! Thank you for opening my eyes wider to life as it is more wise for me now. I can see how far I have come to a closer relationship with God Abba Father. I have a longing to understand him and the word of God for my life. I am living it set apart from this world into a world of The fruits of the Spirit. I pray, read, study, meditate day and nite. I need God’s word to be humble in Spirit and wise to make better choices. When I fall I get back up with the word of God to lead as he orders my steps. Thank God for Jesus who saves. May we all be saved delivered and set free. Let us continue to share the word of God.
Wonderful testimony, Peggy, thanks for sharing.