Simplicity - Mindset
Simplicity is freedom. Duplicity is bondage. Simplicity brings joy and balance. Duplicity brings anxiety and fear. – Richard Foster – The Celebration of Discipline – pg. 79
When our oldest son was a child (3-4 years of age) he would watch Saturday morning cartoons and at every commercial he would jump up and down pointing at the tv saying “Dad, I need that!” It was always some toy that would last for only months if not days, but he was convinced it was not just simply something he wanted, but something he needed.
That is a place too many of the people in our society live today. We live in a world where we believe the possessions of life will make us happy, complete, our life simpler and easier, only to find that life is more complicated with stuff. Simplicity is never found in the all the possessions and trappings of life.
My first vehicle in high school was a 1967 Ford F150. It had no power steering, or power brakes and had the old “3 on the tree.” It was a simple vehicle and didn’t require a great deal of work, and if it did, my father and I did the work. There weren’t many things to break down. The windows always rolled down, because I had to use my arms to roll them down. The doors always locked because I had to reach across the cab of the truck to lock and unlock them. It was a simple vehicle without computers and automatic stuff.
Now I find myself working on cars that are too complicated for me to figure out. Trying to fix things that require computer codes and wiring that makes no sense. I miss the easier simpler days. It makes me sound old, but it’s true. Of course, I still see a car as a tool. It’s there for one simple purpose, to get me from point A to point B. It’s not a fashion statement and it won’t increase in value somehow becoming a good investment.
The simpler your house, the easier it will be to run. The fewer the things and the people you “simply must have,” the nearer you will be to the ideal of happiness – “as having nothing, to possess all.” – Evelyn Underhill – The House of the Soul and Concerning the Inner Life
Katie and I had just purchased a very expensive fixer up in San Diego, in case you don’t know, housing in San Diego is crazy expensive. Because I needed help fixing it up, Katie’s grandparents were kind enough to come out and help. I remember very clearly standing on a ladder next to Katie’s grandfather when he said, “All these things we think we need are just more things for you and me to fix.” It’s true, the simpler life requires and demands less from you and me. Weather it is the house, the car, or some kind of technology. The simpler things of life are easier to manage and fix.
In exile one seeks home. In alienation one seeks identity. Love is revealed in hatred and peace in conflict. Thus, the place where the question of identity can meaningfully be asked is the situation of the crisis of identity, brought about by meaningful self-emptying and solidarity. – Jurgen Moltmann – The Crucified God – pg. 17
The scary thing is that many of us find our identity in the things of life. We believe that cars, homes, clothes, shoes, or bags, will bring status and a higher level of identity to our lives. People will notice us. We will stand out, and like my oldest son at the age of 3 or 4 we convince ourselves that we need those things. Yet, they are the very things complicating our lives and, in some case, ruining our homes. The stuff doesn’t matter. You can’t take it with you and only relationships have eternal value. The stuff is momentary and attaching your identity to those things will only lead to crisis.
I think the person who is attached to riches, who lives with the worry of riches, is actually very poor. If this person puts his money at the service of others, then he is rich, very rich. – Mother Teresa – In the Heart of the World – pg. 70
Mother Teresa is right, life is rich when it is found in others, not in possession and wealth. Life is found not in your stuff, but in your ability to bring joy and love to the world around you. You are not what you purchase or possess. You are a person called to bring change and joy to the world. You can make a difference.
One of the unique gifts of cancer was the deeper understanding that possessions, purchases, and pocketbooks really didn’t matter. Oh, don’t get me wrong, I wanted to ensure that Katie was taken care of and wanted to make sure that our bills were covered, but my greatest concern became time, conversations, and relationships with those I love.
Death, crisis, obstacles, and hurdles have a way of bringing all of life into focus. You can choose what really matter and what will take precedent in your life. Choose the best stuff…not the things you purchase. Choose the things that are eternal. Choose the best.