The Beauty of Order

Lessons from Creation for Homesteaders on Simplicity, Structure, and Setting Boundaries

For homesteaders, the concept of order is foundational to the lifestyle we choose. Whether it’s organizing our gardens, planning our livestock care, or just managing the daily tasks that keep everything running smoothly, order is what brings structure and peace to the homestead. Interestingly, the Bible’s creation story in Genesis gives us a powerful model for creating this kind of harmony, rooted in simplicity, separation, and intention.

Photo by David Bartus

The Bible begins with a scene of total chaos—a dark, empty void where nothing yet has form or purpose. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep” (Genesis 1:1-2). From that raw, unshaped space, God brings order step by step, transforming the void into a balanced, purposeful world. And as He does so, He establishes a guiding principle that every homesteader can appreciate: true order is achieved not by adding more but by focusing on what’s necessary, simplifying, and setting clear boundaries.

The Seven Days of Creation, by Suzi Wollman

Separating for Purpose: The Foundation of Order on the Homestead

In Genesis, the first thing God does to bring order is separate light from darkness. This simple act isn’t just about adding light; it’s about introducing a rhythm to creation, establishing the pattern of day and night. For us as homesteaders, this principle of separating different parts of our lives and routines is crucial. Just as God gave the light its own time and the darkness its own space, we can create a rhythm in our daily lives by separating work time from rest time, field tasks from household chores, and planting from harvesting. By designating clear spaces for each task, we bring a sense of order to our homestead and make room for each part to thrive.

The theme of separation continues as God divides the waters from the sky and then the water from the dry land. Each separation adds structure, creating different environments where specific types of life can flourish. On a homestead, we see this need for separation in everything from garden planning to animal care. We create separate spaces for vegetable plots, herb gardens, chicken coops, and grazing areas, giving each resource the environment it needs to flourish without overcrowding others. These boundaries allow each part of the homestead to fulfill its purpose without getting in the way of another—a small but vital example of how separating space creates harmony.

Simplifying Through Intentional Boundaries

Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva

Throughout the creation story, God demonstrates that order comes from knowing what’s essential and allowing each part of creation to serve its purpose without interference. Rather than piling on endless additions, each day of creation builds on the previous one, establishing boundaries and refining spaces. This simplicity is something that every homesteader understands intuitively. A well-managed homestead isn’t crammed with more than it can handle; instead, it’s about creating an efficient, balanced system.

Take the vegetable garden as an example. The success of a garden often depends on planting only what you need, keeping things well-organized, and setting clear boundaries for each type of plant. By laying out paths, marking rows, and choosing crops that complement each other, you reduce chaos and increase productivity. Similarly, God’s creation wasn’t cluttered with unnecessary elements but focused on a few essential components. In the same way, keeping our homesteads simple and well-structured allows us to focus on what matters most, creating a sense of order and purpose.

Human Roles and Responsibilities in the Garden

Photo by Anna Shvets

The creation story doesn’t just outline how nature is organized; it also speaks to the role of humans in keeping it that way. After creating the earth, God places Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and gives them the responsibility of tending it. For homesteaders, this part of the story resonates deeply. We’re not just working the land; we’re stewards, responsible for maintaining the balance and order that allows everything to flourish. This stewardship requires us to respect the boundaries we set and make choices that support the long-term health of the land.

On the homestead, respecting boundaries means creating designated spaces and roles for each part of our operation, whether that’s separating livestock areas from crops, setting aside composting zones, or rotating pasture for healthy grazing. Just as God established order by dividing land from water and sky, we contribute to harmony by setting boundaries that keep each part of the homestead balanced and thriving. It’s a reminder that order isn’t about control; it’s about creating a sustainable environment where each resource has space to grow and fulfill its purpose.

Order Through Boundaries: Lessons from the Ten Commandments

The Bible continues to develop this theme of order and boundaries in the Ten Commandments, which give clear guidelines for living in peace with one another. These rules aren’t about piling on restrictions—they’re about setting boundaries that prevent chaos, protect relationships, and create harmony. On the homestead, boundaries play a similar role, helping us structure our time, respect each other’s roles, and prioritize what matters.

For instance, setting boundaries around work and rest can make all the difference in maintaining energy and avoiding burnout. Just as God set aside the Sabbath for rest, we can choose times to rest, enjoying the fruits of our labor and reconnecting with why we chose this lifestyle. The Ten Commandments remind us that boundaries are life-giving; they allow us to enjoy life’s blessings without overloading ourselves.

Photo by cottonbro

Finding Balance in Homesteading Through Simplification

As homesteaders, we often face a mountain of tasks that can feel overwhelming—there’s always something that needs attention, whether it’s fixing a fence, planting a new crop, or tending to the animals. The creation story reminds us that order comes from setting priorities and simplifying. Just as God created by focusing on one step at a time, we can approach our homesteads with intention, breaking things down into manageable parts and letting go of what doesn’t serve our purpose.

For example, rather than planting every vegetable, consider focusing on crops that will genuinely feed your family or support your local community. Instead of overcrowding the barn with animals, focus on those you can care for well and that meet the needs of your land. Simplifying doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means being intentional, choosing quality over quantity, and respecting the limits of your resources.

Photo by K. Prodan

Embracing Freedom in Living an Ordered Life

The creation story is ultimately about freedom—freedom through order, through simplicity, and through the space created by boundaries. When each part of creation has its own role, everything flows together in harmony, and life flourishes. This is what we strive for on the homestead: a balanced, ordered life where each piece fits together, where our crops grow, animals thrive, and we find joy in the work.

On the homestead, embracing this freedom means recognizing that order isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a system that works with nature, not against it. It’s a life of rhythm, from planting in the spring to harvest in the fall, to resting in winter and preparing for the next season. When we follow these rhythms, respecting boundaries, and keeping things simple, we find a deep sense of fulfillment and peace.

The lesson from creation is clear: order isn’t just about organization; it’s about creating space, establishing priorities, and separating what’s essential from what’s not. By embracing boundaries and simplifying our lives, we create a homestead that reflects the beauty of creation—a place where everything has a purpose, every role is respected, and life can flourish in harmony. Just as God’s first act of creation was to bring light into darkness, our acts of separation and order bring clarity and peace to our lives, helping us appreciate the gifts of simplicity and intentional living on the homestead.