Simplicity.

Simplicity - now there is a word that comes pretty loaded in our culture today.  It's almost as if, through the lens of assuming it's nearly impossible to achieve, simplifying has become a complex and weighty task.  Kind of defeats the purpose of simplicity's nature.  But I am feeling more and more optimistic lately that simplicity is not only very beneficial, but also possible.  (And I am speaking of simple in the good sense of the word, 'not complicated' - not the poor sense as in 'ignorant').

Life is busy.  This is a truth that most people in our culture can relate to - not everyone, but I feel confident in saying most.  I've heard it, read it, and definitely seen it in others' lives.  Busyness is not always a bad thing, but typically in seasons when things have been busy for a while I reflect on how I hunger for a simpler time.

My idea of simplicity, since I tend to think in extremes:

Solitude.

There are people in our society today that would have no idea what to do with simplicity - they thrive on doing and busyness.  But something's gotta give, and I think most people have their own translation of what simplicity would be for them.  I do enjoy being productive, and have had many seasons of my life where every hour of the day was dedicated for something.  And for that reason, I tend to think of solitude as my simplicity.  In fact, there was a time when I was smack in between coming out of very busy to extremely busy, and in that season I had a great desire (seriously) to move to Ireland and become a sheep farmer.

Why?  1) Because I love Ireland and desperately want to visit.  2) You don't get much more solitude than working  around only animals miles away from anyone else and away from media.  But see, for me simplicity didn't mean not working, I'm sure shepherding isn't as easy job! - it meant being in quiet serenity where the many voices and noises of the world weren't fighting for my attention.  (Sadly I was unqualified for the job, but one can keep on dreaming.)

Peace & Tranquility

One final thought on this topic of simplicity: Even though I hunger for a simpler time, my tendency is to complicate rather than simplify.  I think I'll spend my entire life learning how to chose the simplicity in every unique situation.  But I am thankful I am not alone in that effort - I can trust that the Lord will help me in granting wisdom and shedding light on the better choices daily.  I will charge forward in this fight for simplicity with His help - using His truth as a sword to fight off the enemies of simplicity like confusion, worry, busyness for the sake of busyness, people pleasing, circular reasoning, etc.  The fight will have new enemies as new stages in life come, of this I am certain - but I have decided that simplicity is definitely worth fighting for. 

“I believe we would be happier to have a personal revolution in our individual lives and go back to simpler living and more direct thinking. It is the simple things of life that make living worthwhile, the sweet fundamental things such as love and duty, work and rest, and living close to nature.” 

Laura Ingalls Wilder