Desiring Simplicity
I long for a simple life.
My context right now is working for a fairly big organization that does development work in 25+ countries, has supporters in 1000+/- churches, and that I try to facilitate meaningful cross-cultural long term relationships. My context is also a multi-site church in transition trying to determine appropriate structures and policies. My context is an emerging intentional community throwing around words like incarnational. My context is complex family relationships. My context is a constantly upwardly spiraling technological world.
What does longing for a simple life really, actually mean? That desire is not even a simple one!
I can start with simple speech.
I can add in simple consumption.
But for my work, church, community, family and world, is it possible to have simple structures? I don’t know if small can be effective. Can you accomplish big strategic things while remaining simple? I don’t know if big can also be simple.
I feel like I’m in a wrestling ring, blindfolded. Not sure what I’m gripping or pushing at, not sure with whom I’m struggling.
Becoming a hermit withdraws from the complexities to create simplicity. The problem is Jesus calls us to still be in the world. He also promises that his yoke is easy (simple?) and his burden is light.
Perhaps I’m carrying the wrong burdens. But I also don’t think the answer will end up being that simple.