We walked through the grass and with a broken stick tapped the trunk of each tree along the way. Then, we joined the well-worn concrete path which led to Bear Creek. Toes tapped grasshoppers causing them to hop. Noses smelled delicate white flowers with yellow centers. Fingers grasped sticks, leaves, and long grasses. Ears listened to the rumbling creek flow over submerged rocks. Eyes looked for bugs, rocks, tall trees, and more treasures to gather from our walking adventure.
As Eve scurried along the dirt path running adjacent to the creek, she hopped over tree roots, skipped on the dusty trail, and jumped from half-buried rock to half-buried rock. She wandered carefree.
Carefree – Free from anxiety. Unhurried. Happy-go-lucky. Cherry. Relaxed.
I found myself noticing and admiring Eve’s carefree nature as we explored outside. Her untroubled and relaxed approach to life rubbed off on me. I enjoyed the time with Eve; free from hurry, anxiety, and fear. She truly did not have a care in the world. Her little face lit up with the discovery of a hovering dragonfly. She spontaneously began twirling around a signpost. Carefree life exuded from her active body.
What does it look like to live carefree as an adult? Does it really have to change so much as we age? In what ways can we have a carefree posture, even with the demands of work responsibilities, family, ministry, neighboring, and living?
As I pondered Eve’s carefree and inviting approach to our walk, the Lord nudged me to consider four areas for carefree living: constraints of time, creativity, connection, and composure.
Constraints of time – Living carefree reflects an unhurried life. When I spend time with Eve, I don’t watch the clock or wonder about the time. I live in the moment with her. Paying attention to the present lays the foundation of carefree living.
While God created us to live in time, He also designed us to live free from the controlling nature of time. How can we welcome time as a friend, rather than a foe? A posture of gratitude leads to the appreciation of the time we have been given. Although life attempts to rush us from appointment to appointment, call to call, deadline to deadline, etc. when we invite the Spirit of God to guide and lead us, we grow in the ability to trust His timing with the invitations He places before us. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Psalm 90:12)
Creativity – Living carefree invites us to be creative. Eve picked up a tree branch with several leaves still attached and began to wave it in her face like an oriental fan. She selected several sticks and used them to poke at trees and scribble in the dirt. When we live carefree, the creative juices within us, given to us by our Creator, begin to flow.
Made in God’s image, we create. Yet, when we allow the demands of life to take over, creativity seems to diminish and compulsion increases. We often “do,” but without the vitality of original ideas and engagement of the imagination. How can we live more inventive, clever, and unconventional? As we embrace a carefree stance, we experience space to explore and embrace the uniqueness we offer the world. (Exodus 35:31-33, Ephesians 2:10)
Connection – Eve ran to “hide” behind a leafy bush and announced, “I’m hiding.” I quickly found her and then ducked low, announcing, “I’m hiding.” Of course, she found me. Eve grabbed my fingers and ran to grab Gary’s fingers while asking, “Swing?” “Swing?” She desired for Gary and I to count 1,2,3 and then swing her into the air. We all giggled and loved the physical and emotional connection amongst us. Opportunities to look for connection occur when we live carefree: there is space to meet each other in the moment. We enjoy people more when we approach life in a carefree manner.
God created us for connection. We are made to attach to one another and grow in relationship. Because life seems full, often, the first things to erode are relationships. We neglect to connect with those closest to us and invest in others. We attach to our electronics, but not the people in front of us. What if we viewed date nights, girl-time, guys gathering, family fun nights, neighborhood socials, volunteer opportunities, etc. as connection points? When was the last time you enjoyed a relaxed, tech-free, carefree space of connection? (Genesis 2:18, John 15:12)
Composure – As Eve ran along the dusty trail, taking in the sights and sounds, she exhibited a state of calm. She discovered and played along the way without any fear of the future. She enjoyed the present, secure and safe, knowing she was not alone. This posture leads to a carefree way of life.
While God’s presence with us is assured throughout Scripture, many times we fret about circumstances in life. This worry connects with fear and robs us of the carefree life God offers. Too often we act as though our ability to control life leads to a calm and peaceful composure. Nevertheless, ultimately, God alone provides lasting peace, safety and security. God welcomes our fears and invites us to allow His presence to bring serene unhurried living. (Matthew 28:20, John 14:16)
1 Peter 5:-6-7
So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you. (The Message)
As I watch Eve, I notice that I learn a lot about the ways God draws me into Christ-like living. As I reflect, I see the ways I divert from carefree living. What about you? I desire within my soul to return to the Lord, giving Him. my cares, living freely in Him. What do you desire?
Pray with me:
Lord, help us live carefree in You. Show us the ways to embrace time as a friend. Allow the creative ways you’ve made us flow into our relationships, work, and ministry. Jesus, lead us into authentic conversations and activities that deepen connection with others. Holy Spirit, let your peace reside within our souls, releasing us from anxiety and fear, while filling us with trust and faith. Thank you for your presence, O Lord. Amen.
This week – – –
Read John 14:1-27 – Soak in the Scripture. Read it through once a day. Just notice the promises of Jesus. Pay attention to the gift the Spirit brings. Ponder the ways this impacts carefree living.
Reflect on Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Wonder about the reality that you are God’s handiwork! What creative abilities has God given you to share with others? If you aren’t sure, ask a loved one how they recognize your creative and unique presence?
Revel this week. Embrace the four “C’s” of carefree living: constraints of time, creativity, connection, and composure. Welcome God’s invitation to live carefree. God is most careful with you! 😊
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Psalm 90:12 – Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
John 15:12 – My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Randy Alcorn. Happiness. Carol Stream, IL, 2015.
John Mark Comer.. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World. Colorado Springs, CO, 2019.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
CeCe Winans. Believe for It. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4ggKHAK_xk
Josh Baldwin. Made for More. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov9Ls4npIrc
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
September 19 – Ruth Israel – Zoom Training – Spiritual direction for those living in war-torn countries.