Simple Life

MON., APR. 24, 1995, 6:42 AM
FARM, STUDY

Your culture does not encourage the simple life. Some, by failure to succeed, are forced to lead such a life, but only a few see this as good. Though your Christian community encourages giving to help others it rather assumes that this giving is “off the top” and does not preclude living in at least a relatively affluent style. How do I, the Holy Spirit, tell you I feel about lifestyle? Listen, and you shall hear, o son.

Last evening you heard talk of splendid homes in this area’s focal town, including some to be. This did not kindle desires in you, as it should not. You are quite satisfied with this large, old dwelling place, even with its defects and deterioration. It is a simple home, even as it is spacious, and it is appropriate for you and Lenore.

Yours is an apparently prosperous country, even as it has a huge and increasing debt. Your culture encourages consumption… buying the new and better… borrowing to have the latest and best. In terms of this criterion this area of the country in which you live is not considered prosperous and affluent. You see this as good, and you should. You know this is where you should be, and that you should appreciate the relative simplicity of life and the fact that you are paid well and are not forced to live in ways uncomfortable.

You have clothes galore, but you feel fine in wearing that which is inexpensive and “pre-worn.” You have no desire for expensive, new duds, and that is as it should be. You do not eat lavishly, and your shopping for food is on the frugal side, as it should be. Continue to plant your small garden, and try to keep it productive all during this growing season. I certainly approve of your “rescuing” bags containing food for your animals from their destination, the landfill. If these contain food suitable for you, too, so much the better.

Your present car is elegant but rather ancient, by the standards of your culture. Your truck looks better than it once did, but it qualifies as simple. Again, you do not waste resources on expensive vehicles which perform no better than these present ones. I do not approve of automotive affluence… and you’d be hard pressed to find Scriptural passages that encourage new car buying. You haven’t hitchhiked for some time, but don’t lose that “capacity.” It is an experience in humility that is good for your spirit… and your soul.

I have spoken thus far of material simplicity, and I am concerned about this. Your culture won’t change much (unless the economy should really flop… but in relation to what?), and I do not choose to “bring your country down” (even as this could have some good results). However, I do want you to lead a relatively simple life, compared to the whole of the culture, as you are doing.

The other aspect of simplicity I push for, for you, is in relation to how you use your time. You were successful in your professional life, successful enough to become a full, tenured professor. You did not seek grants and contracts, and you have less motivation to do so now. Your life now, professionally, centers in your teaching, as it should, for this continues to be a prime way of learning, for you. You have not been “in charge” of programs or persons, and this is as it should be.