Slowing Down and Appreciating Life’s Simple Pleasures

In a world that’s always pushing for more—newer, bigger, shinier—it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. But life doesn’t have to be about the hustle to get the next best thing. It’s about slowing down, enjoying the little things, and finding peace in what we already have. For me, that peace is right here on our land. It’s where I’ve learned to appreciate not just the beauty of nature but also the value of community and the satisfaction of making things work, even when they’re not brand new.

Take our old trucks, for example. We’ve got an old Dodge and a Ford, and while they might not be the newest models or have all the latest features, they get the job done. We don’t need brand-new equipment or flashy vehicles to live a full life. Even our old fifth wheel is more than enough—it provides a safe, clean place for people we care about, especially with how expensive housing has become. We’ve learned that things don’t have to be new to be useful, and honestly, there’s a certain pride in that.

I love finding ways to repurpose or upcycle things. There’s something special about taking something old and giving it new life. It’s not just about saving money, although that’s important, too. It’s about being resourceful and making the most of what we have. We live simply and frugally, not because we have to, but because it feels right. And when you live this way, you realize how little you actually need to be happy.

What makes life truly rich isn’t stuff—it’s the people we share it with. Here on our land, it’s not just my husband and me. Our grown son and daughter-in-law live here, too, and another son is nearby. We also have friends renting on the property, and together we’ve created something that feels like family, even though we’re not all related by blood. It’s the shared moments, the laughter, the hard work together, and the support that makes this place feel so full.

The Bible reminds us that community is a gift. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” We lift each other up, and in return, we find strength and joy. Whether we’re sharing a meal from our garden or just sitting together after a long day, there’s a sense of belonging and peace that comes from being surrounded by people who care.

And speaking of the garden, there’s nothing like eating something you’ve grown yourself. It’s not about having the biggest or the best, but about appreciating the effort it took to grow it. It reminds me of Proverbs 12:11, “Those who work their land will have abundant food.” There’s a satisfaction in putting in the hard work and reaping the benefits—whether it’s fresh vegetables or a project we all worked on together.

At the end of the day, life isn’t about having the newest truck or the latest gadget. It’s about making things work with what you’ve got and finding joy in the process. It’s about sitting still in the grass, feeling the dirt under your feet, and appreciating the people who fill your life with love and laughter. We don’t need shiny new things to feel blessed. The real blessings are in the relationships we build, the work we do, and the moments we take to slow down and simply enjoy the life we’ve created together!