Sunday, September 18, 2011

Simple. That's it.

The word "simple" has received a bad rap in our vocabulary. If someone is less than academically inspired, he or she might be spoken of as "simple"; if something is straight-forward, the suggestion of "so simple a child can do it" might be implied in a negative way. So, in today's sophisticated society, we tend to shy away from the word "simple"--pity, really.
One of the greatest American philosophers, Henry David Thoreau pleaded with his contemporaries to "simplify, simplify, simplify"; a simple plea that carried volumes of worthwhile advice. Nevertheless, even back in days with no modern machinery, tools, or technology, people felt being too "simple" was a sign of lack of inspiration and, of course, living simply could infringe upon the all-important human characteristic of the outward signs of monetary wealth.
Stepping back into the readings from today, I kept hearing the word "simple" over and over again in my mind as I read the story of the exodus from Egypt, the discussion of the laws of God, and a stormy time in a boat for the disciples.
It was all so simple...it remains so simple today.
When Moses led the Israelites from Egypt, they had one major barrier--the Red Sea. It was in the way. Too many people and too few boats. Left up to humans, the gaffes in the planning alone to transport that many people across that body of water would have changed the course of history. So, God simply parted the sea. Many people have a tough time believing that actually happened--it's too simple. Where's the drama? 
Where's the drama? 
Through a tremendous amount of faith on the part of Moses in God and an equally tremendous amount of faith on the part of those following Moses, the simply sublime happened--a door was opened, or, in this case, a sea was parted. No boat docking schedules, no missed launches, no nothing. One parted sea--simple.
Later, in Matthew, we revisit the story of the disciples in the boat with Jesus. Jesus falls asleep; a storm comes up. The disciples panic and wake Jesus. Jesus calms the storm and then, in a somewhat incredulous manner (according to translations) simply replies to them, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" (8:26) Jesus was with them; nothing was going to happen to them. Yet, being good humans who tend to complicate things, panic and impatience entered into the picture.
The reading in Romans takes us no where near water, but it does take us to the shores of the simplicity of our spiritual law: "Let no debt remain except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law--All others are summed up: Love your neighbors as yourself" (12:8-9) 
How much more simple could it be?
Over this past week I've been a bit more clued into just how well simplicity works. I decided to simplify my eating in order to be a bit healthier or to at least keep the pharmaceutical companies away from my doorstep as long as possible. In taking a look at healthy eating, I see that God, in all his infinite wisdom, has made that very simple for us--we're the ones who make it indefinably difficult. God gives us vegetables, fruits, grains, and simple proteins. Exercise? He gives us feet and places to walk. No need for complicated eating plans, spas, gyms, or meetings.
Simple.

Being the backporch philosopher, I have, for some time, thought about how complicated we make daily living. I've read the Bible from cover to cover a few times now and not once do I recall reading about needing to grab all the gusto in life, not missing any chances for adventures, being sure to buy only the best...none of that. What I do read consistently is our need to love one another and to care for one another. In our geographic backyards; in our global backyards. Simple. The simple joy that comes from knowing we've been given the opportunity to put food in the hand of a hungry person, to put shoes on the feet of one with no shoes, to give clean water to a village where there was none before...what more do we need?
Our world is complicated--'ol Scratch is loose and makes sure it stays complicated to make sure we lose sight of what truly matters.
And then God makes it simple all over again and we regain our path on the journey.
Simple...that's it.


Peace be with you.

No comments:

Post a Comment