Everywhere I look, lately, it seems that every aspect of life has become complicated. Advertisements express "fast, fun and easy" and "time and energy-saving"; but, where's the simplicity?
Okay, so you weren't born during those pre-industrial years, and need some examples? Here's a few to get our thinking process started. (I wasn't born that long ago either) :
~Prepared foods, which are designed to make mealtimes "simple" contain a horrendous list of ingredients. Even meals we prepare from "scratch" require so many seasonings, steps, and saucepans.
~Keeping our homes reasonably clean calls for umpteen different chemical cleaning concoctions, vacuums, washers, dryers, dishwashers, hot water heaters, etc., etc...all designed to make home-making "simple". What happened to the broom and dustpan, bucket and rag, washtub and soap???
~Communication has been completely transformed during my lifetime. It is not just fast, it is instant, in many cases interrupting whatever we may have been doing, and requiring immediate attention. (chats, texts, tweets, etc) I'm not suggesting that it is all "bad"...but, there is a trade-off...from deviating from the slow, simple methods, such as exchanging handwritten letters, or giving the gift of time for a face-to-face visit. My three "mothers" are computer-less and iPhone-less, thus greatly appreciating an hour-long phone conversation once in awhile.
~Healthcare is ridiculous. (not to mention the cost/&/or insurance that it takes to pay for it!) A pill for every ill, and more pills to counteract the side-effects of the original prescription. Doctors and nurses so rushed to "see" the next patient, that true observation and compassion are sorely lacking...replaced with endless charting, geared to protect the medical personnel from malpractice suits. This is so far removed from the family doctor who made house calls! The sick person stayed home, in bed, where they belonged... Simple. Sleep, pure water, sunshine, fresh air...these are simple preventatives and "cures" for many ills.
Okay, that's enough examples, lest you believe that I am intent on being negative. If you haven't read it already, and you dare to delve into this realm of "progress vs simplicity" , I recommend reading "Henry and the Great Society". You can read it for free here: http://www.jesuslovesme.org/newWeb/media/PDF_BOOKS/HENRY%20AND%20THE%20GREAT%20SOCIETY.pdf.
What actually prompted my thinking (and writing) is that I recently acquired a mountain dulcimer. (insert BIG, happy face!) As I am becoming familiar with it, and studying the history and various methods that are used to play it, I am drawn more and more to the slow, simple, traditional approach. The more complicated chords and "finger-dancing", and finger-picking methods produce amazing music, to be sure! But, I have decided that I will employ the most simple "noter and drone" style of playing.
This simple, yet beautiful instrument, has sparked a little "revolution" in my heart. As I go throughout my days, I am looking for ways to truly simplify. Some call it "de-clutter": ~I plan to discontinue things like Twitter and Pinterest, which I haven't had time to use anyway... (not Facebook, though!!!) ;-)
~I plan to give away the egg poaching apparatus, and the angel food cake pan, and suchlike specialized cooking equipment. And, I'll eat more pots of oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, apples and goats' milk.
~I plan to clean house and hair with those proven, inexpensive, safe ingredients: water, baking soda and vinegar.
And, for entertainment, I will sit in the dawn's light on my back deck, watching the hummingbirds, and playing my dulcimer.
Interestingly, as I searched for those Bible passages that I was sure referred to "godly simplicity" , I found this one in 1 Chronicles 29:17: "I know also, my God, that you test the heart, and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy your people, who are present here, to offer willingly unto you."
Guess which word is often translated "simplicity"?... "Uprightness"! Do you think there's any correlation between the two? I found, over and over, the phrase "simplicity of heart". I want to have that kind of heart toward God...one that is uncluttered, uncomplicated, unfeigned...just like my life.
God bless you, as you find your own place of simplicity.
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