Let Tools be tools, Not your Life

Some comments by reader Nancy reminded me of my mother.  She was the first person I ever knew who would not let the telephone interrupt her day or activity.  She did not have an answering machine for years.  "If they really need to talk to me, they will call back," as she let the phone ring and went about her business.   I took that from my mom.  Thanks, Mom!  I do have an answering machine and a cell phone but only because I am on call and have the dog rescue, where time can be a life saved in either situation.  Both take messages.  I can easily ignore both at my choosing.  Believe me, this was a skill I had to make myself learn as I was so tuned in to making myself available to "the ring" when it may simply be a political spiel, a survey or a sales pitch. 

In the last entry, I spoke of silence, of how it is feared today and some ways we can get it back.  One way we can take control over the "time efficient" tools in our lives is to recognize them as such.  They are tools for OUR use - the tool should not dictate to us.   For me, these include the TV (which I no longer have), the phone, the computer, my washer and dryer (my washer just died; haven't had a chance for a repairman but going to the laundromat always bought me some down time I enjoyed), oh and STUFF - too much stuff.  I like the concept of only owning 100 things, thought with the dog sanctuary, actually getting to the number will be very difficult.  To me, the concept is to pare down to what is essential in our daily lives; then, to look at our list again, live with it awhile and pare down some more.  Less stuff, more time, less clutter, more clean (my mom would be very happy). 

I am not quite a minimalist.  I like to read the blogs and take into consideration the points of view.  I do want to minimize possessions but I also want my home to be pretty.  I like physical and temporal space - I like paintings - I like color.  I do not like wasted materials or time (recycle most everything; naps are good!), I am intolerant of greed yet treasure my time alone.   Is that greedy?  Or does that prepare me for the times of intense demand at work, at church or a need in someone else's life needing to be met?  I hope it is the latter :). 

I was privileged to watch my parents grow in their spiritual and personal lives.  She and my dad made people their priority.  Everything else could wait.  They did not let tools interfere or interrupt their ministry to neighbors, the police (my dad baked them cookies) or their family.   I hope I can follow in their footsteps.