Living Simply

I received this a couple of weeks ago, and it has really left a lasting impact with me. I thought you might like to read it, too.

Original Image from sustainablog.org

– Quoted Text –

Nigel and his wife Jessie have intentionally looked for ways to identify more with their neighbours by doing without some things that they need. One thing they picked was a microwave. Their brother visited and bought them one when he saw they didn’t have one, but kindly agreed to let them return it when he learned why. They instead spent the money on little things they needed.

“The point is that when we’re middle-class Canadians, there will always be stuff like microwaves or TVs and toasters available to us, but it’s not that way for many new immigrants and the world’s poor,” says Nigel.

Nigel and Jessie also intentionally have no TV, which changes the nature of their living room, and helps them “find” a lot more hours than they might otherwise have. They do Thursday candles-only nights which they say helps them pause and remember those with less and is “romantic, too!”

– End of Quoted Text –

Nigel and Jessie live in an area that is home to many newcomers to Canada. They love living in their neighbourhood, identifying with their neighbours and following Jesus.

I’ve certainly been challenged by their example of “living simply.” Do you think that you could “do without”?