Simplicity is the good old days. Youth. Freshness. Just two pairs of shoes to choose from and no Google calendar. Simplicity is a decision limited to one thing or another, not the push and pull from dozens of options or opinions every waking moment.
Can you remember a time when you had the leisure of uncommitted hours? Time is an asset to invest. Most of us are so busy that we squander time like end-of-shift buffet remnants.
Simple Elegance
“Less is more” is usually associated with the idea of simple elegance. I have a particular passion for simplicity, so quote this often and may adopt it as my mantra. Although the quotation isn’t necessarily scriptural in all translations, the concept certainly is.
“Less is more and more is less.” – Psalm 37:17 (MSG)
The NKJV translates this verse as “A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.”
Simplicity breathed it’s last when personal electronics became the norm.
Or did it?
The Origin of “Less is More”
The phrase originated in Robert Browning’s 1855, ‘Andrea del Sarto’. Click the triangle to the left for the relevant excerpts. You can read the full piece on Poetry Foundation.
Browning speaks of simplicity in love, artistic composition, and life. Throughout the poem Browning refers to God’s design and His influence on humanity. Adam and Eve enjoyed the weightless joy of simple relationship with God, creation, and each other. They lacked nothing and were closer to God than anyone since.
True simplicity died when death entered the world, veiling the simple perfection of God’s design.
When is Enough, Enough?
Instead of pursuing less in order to receive something more, modern folks seem perpetually dissatisfied. What constitutes enough? Why do people want more of anything? There are two reasons:
- They have an unmet need, or
- They lack peace and contentment; something to scratch their itch.
Needs and wants are not the same. Seeking peace anywhere but Christ is a losing proposition. More always comes with a price tag.
“To whom much is given, much will be required.” – Luke 12:48
Honestly, if you already have twelve pairs of shoes, will your life really be better, smoother, or more wonderful if you buy those cute red strappy things you saw online this morning?
If you’re after more – more what?
- Money?
- Love?
- Celebrity?
- Approval?
- Friends?
- Children?
- Square footage?
- Challenge?
- Beauty?
I don’t know anyone who isn’t busy. Who isn’t behind on household chores, hasn’t blown good intentions to exercise more or eat less, or failed to keep resolutions to spend more time with friends and family? Somehow there’s never enough time.
Our society is over-committed and under-productive. That’s what happens when we respond to the siren call of the world and the worldly. Jesus calls us to peace, to rest, to laying down our burdens.
To rediscovering the leisure of life yoked to Christ.
Simple Joys of De-Cluttering
I enjoyed an amazing day yesterday. I was alone. (I know, how often does that happen?) With the temptation of distraction limited, I moved joyfully, productively, and purposefully with a goal of creating less. There’ll be more in the trash Tuesday, but my office, to-do list, closets, and laundry hampers are less populated and neater. Bathrooms sparkle and the breezeway swept.
Limit your expectations to what is possible. Higher expectations produce stress, and stress decreases efficiency. I accomplished more by thinking less about productivity and more about stewardship.
The Leisure of Simplicity
Electronics were banned; no music, no television, and no internet. I experienced my home without interruption. (Except the occasional comment from one of the dogs.) Peace and quiet make it easier to recognize instances where simplicity had morphed to disorganization and unkemptness. (Maybe not a word, but it works for me.)
I opened and cleaned office cabinets left closed for years, and removed the most interesting refrigerator science projects. The result was leisure. My horses are cared for (including the two who escaped through a gate I forgot to close) and happy. Not once did stress, irritation, or busyness cross my mind.
My goal? Less.
The return on my investment of less was more joy, more leisure, greater creativity, sharpened focus, increased clarity and peace. I felt God with me in each step, even while blissfully brushing toilet bowls.
Did I really see Him smiling at my calm, unhurried efforts? I believe I did. Perhaps I even heard the opening bars to, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
CLICK HERE for the full text and meaning of Browning’s poem.
Related post. This is a fun one: 12 Stewardship Quotes – God, People, Critters, and Stuff
2 Responses
Hi Lynn, I have recently become a follower of yours. It was due to a GOD DOT I believe. I am 56 years young and last summer rekindled my passion for riding horses. I have been horse crazy since I was a little girl and actually still have my collection of Breyer horses somewhere in a box in my garage. I started by taking proper riding lessons last July and am now volunteering on Saturdays at the ranch I take lessons. I have been given the privilege of “tailing” on some of the trail rides now that are given to private parties along with the grooming, tacking, clean up and giving of hugs and kisses to all of the beautiful horses at the ranch. During one of my lessons the horse I was riding was having a difficult time loping at a nice steady pace and my instructor thought she would look up ways to help him slow down. She sent me a post that you had written about speaking softly to the horse, telling him to slow down and to audibly breath slow steady breaths. I did just what you suggested and it worked! I then was interested in finding more about you. GOD DOT. I am a Christian and have been struggling with a lot of personal issues. Another reason I was drawn to take up riding. I now receive your emails, like this one and have ordered the GOD DOT audio book which I am thoroughly enjoying. I am so excited to learn more about you and grow in my walk with Jesus Christ. Thank you and God bless you!
Jill, welcome to the “barn.” You’re in great company with your Breyer horse collection. One of my Sisters in the Realm of Horses talks about her collection in my book, “The Breath of Horse Crazy—The Love Affair Between Women and Horses.” I learned how to love and obey Jesus more by training horses. I’d make a training note about one of them and then hear, “That lesson was for you.” The Gospel Horse series of books, a ministry, and a huge career shift followed. God Dots galore!
Thank you for your thoughtful message. Look up, listen, connect to the horses, and expect to see God Dots!
Blessings,
Lynn
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