"Simplicity", like "community" can get to be another one of those terms that remains nothing more than a spiritualized buzzword. I met a friend for coffee this morning and he asked, "what's simplicity really look like in day to day living?" My response, "It's not convienient."
In order to meet this friend I had to bike down to the train station (@ 5:45am), hop on the rail, take a 10 minute train ride, then a 15 minute walk, to the coffee shop. Angie needed the car to get to work by 7:30 and since that's our only car now, I had to make some sacrifices.
When we had the Civic I could jump in the car, get on the highway, and be there in 10 minutes. But then I wouldn't have felt the crisp air on my face during the bike ride, I wouldn't have had the conversation about the Nuggets game with the man on the train, and I likely wouldn't have noticed the sliver of moon and beautiful sunrise that I took in on the 15 minute walk.
In taking steps toward simplicity you may lose some speed and convienience, but you just might get some of your soul back.
Is it worth the risk?
An interesting and helpful perspective on simplicity, Ryan. Even the word itself implies that things will be "easier". But, I think you are right. Some things may actually become more "complicated" when we simplify.
However, it is only then that the really beautiful things - the simple things of life - can garner the attention they deserve.
BTW... your banner pic is really BIG today!
Posted by: Eric | November 07, 2007 at 01:04 PM
Reading this makes me want to get a job downtown so I can ride the bus each day.
Simplicity is what it's all about.
Jesus, what must we do?
Believe in the One whom He sent.
Jesus, I need, I worry, I want.
Seek first the Kingdom, and the righteousness of God, and all these things will be added.
Posted by: Mike O'Donnell | November 08, 2007 at 11:55 AM