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I recently watched, Ken Burns PBS special on the Shakers, it was fascinating, although this was an odd way of living, I came away with some wonderful truths. This plaque, which has one of the Shakers famous sayings on it, has been in my laundry room in three of my houses, I see it everyday and it reminds me to do all things for the Lord! Makes folding laundry much easier!
Everything they did was, "unto God", I want to strive for this in my life in a deeper and more meaningful way. I was really struck by the fact that they were encouraged to, "Do your work as though you had a thousand years to live and as if you were to die tomorrow." That saying changed me! I have begun to take more time when I am doing even the smallest tasks. When I mow now, I take my time, I make checker board patterns that are beautiful to the eye, not caring how long it takes, but enjoying the beauty of the job I am doing. I also realized that no one gave a hoot about how fast or slow I go on any thing I do, it was me who thought they did! I take my time when I cook and when I clean, I am enjoying the process, praying as I work, giving God the glory of all I have been entrusted with here on this earth!
Living a simple and Godly life, this is what I took away from the Shakers as well, clutter causes static to build between you and God, this is a good thing to keep in your heart.
Hoarders and "collectors" would not be happy here...
Simplicity of form, function is art...
Gorgeous!!! Clean and beautiful, makes my heart sing to see this beauty, truly God inspired! I want to do art that is God inspired, not just art for art's sake...beauty with meaning!
In this simple Shaker box I see so much, someone lovingly took the time to make this beautiful piece of functioning artwork, cutting the wood with precision, shaping the pieces, smoothing the wood till it was velvety and perfect. They did not cut corners, or worry that they needed to hurry up, they did not have to look at the clock to make sure they got done on time. We need to remember that God has made us eternal, we are not on a time clock! Shouldn't all of us remember to do our work as though we had a thousand years? 
Be blessed this week, slow down and enjoy your work, "Hands to work, hearts to God" girls!!!
8 comments:
I really enjoyed reading this post. Made me stop and think. I get tired of all the rushing here and there to do this and to do that. I want to take time to smell the roses too. I love taking my time cleaning and cooking. I really enjoy it. I play piano or Christmas music while I work. I even play Christmas music during the summer. :) Happy Fall!!!
Hugs,
Lee Laurie
Dear Donna Lynn - What a very thoughtful post, full of wisdom & life lessons. Thanks for the share!
Lisa@SuburbanRetreat
~*LOVE that staircase!!! Rachel ~*
Dear BFF,
I have always loved everything Shaker. Their pieces are works of art. That staircase is amazing! I will have to watch that doc. Great bit of wisdom to ponder each day.
Love and hugs, your BFF
Hi Donna Lynn,
That was just the post I needed to read! I'm feeling a little "busy" and that I must get my list of projects done before my girlfriends come...I'm going to slow down!
Have a lovely day.
Warmly,
deb :)
I watched the same documentary awhile ago and really enjoyed it as well. While I wil be the first to admit that I like a home full of lovely linens, doilies, etc., which would all be far too fusy for the Shakers, I do admire their devotion to simplicity. Perhaps someday I'll have to a chance to visit one of their own settlements...I think it would be very interesting.
And about rushing around? Oh, how I understand that! I tend to look at life as a to-do list. Over and over I must remind myself that it's not a crisis if everything on my mental list doesn't get done today - tomorrow will be here fast enough!
Dear Donna Lynn, thank you for this inspirational post. I liked their clutter-free living. Right now I'm in 'card clutter land' :o) But praise the Lord, His has been helping me to make them to raise money for my church's building fund. I bow my head and pray when I'm waiting for water in the kettle to boil. Aren't we fortunate to serve at God who we can pray to at any time. Glory to His precious name.
Have a blessed weekend, sweet friend :o)
Wow! Donna, What awesome food for thought! xo rachel
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