I’m Booked

Dear Friend,

Since accepting an adjunct position at my alma mater, I haven’t read as much as I would have liked. However, this year is off to a great start. I’ve read two nonfiction books, two novels, and a craft book.  Let me tell you about the wonderful nonfiction books I read!

 Uncomplicate It by Hosanna Wong and making home your happy place by Katy Joy Wells. These two paired nicely because Wong encouraged me to think about my faith and Wells encouraged me to think about the things in my home. I can’t speak for anyone else, but my faith walk can easily become tangled up with questions, legalism, and pride. Can anyone else relate? But Wong reminded me that although life is complicated, our faith doesn’t have to be. And Wells dives deeper than how to combat dust bunnies. She exposes the why behind the clutter, the driving force that keeps us overwhelmed, and the reason we keep buying more stuff that we don’t really need. Now, one word keeps surfacing in my soul—simplify. Thank you Wong and Wells for some beautiful reminders, for some new concepts and for touching my heart with your words.

A dear mentor and friend who passed away several years ago used to say these words, “keep it simple.” And I remember thinking, “yeah, okay.” He was a heck of a guy who was solid in his faith, grounded in truth, gentle and kind, humble and consistent, and unwavering in his convictions. I miss him. It was an honor to know him, to love him, and learn from him. He left behind his wife, a beautiful, southern gem who has been a spiritual mother to me. She is steady and loving; wise and discerning, intentional and present. She’s been through a great deal in her life, yet she has a smile that lights up the room and a heart open to life’s changes.

If we could sit across from one another, maybe with a hot beverage in our hands, this is where I would lean in. I’d look you in the eyes and say, “keep it simple.” Your external life might be complicated. Situations and trials are real. I get it. But take a moment and watch the sparrows in the yard. God takes care of them. He’ll take care of you, too. Listen to the laughter of your kids. Really listen. Let it bounce around in your heart until joy starts blooming again. Turn on the music. Turn it up loud or keep it soft but listen until hope starts stirring in you. Read a book (or listen to an audio book) so you can learn something new, see something differently, explore heights you’ve never dreamed of. After all, reading allows us to spread our wings and fly. I’m booked. Are you?

Many Blessings,

Julia Kay