I was working on the LYM page for our church newsletter and came across a quote that I decided to include, and now I want to share it here.  It deals with simplicity – not so much in the Mac vs. PC debate (though I find the picture compelling) – but this quote is instead more concerned with simplicity and how desperately we need it. I’ll just let you read it:

We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures on earth and in eternity. Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. The need for solitude and quietness was never greater than it is today. – A.W. Tozer

Family, friends, work, school, commitments, and even recreation – life gets so very full and everything seems necessary and important.  For me, the thought of cutting anything out never even surfaces as a possibility.  Tozer has challenged me to question why I am unwilling to simplify, I am afraid that my unwillingness is because I have undervalued the spiritual benefit of simplicity because it doesn’t seem attractive enough.  I find myself agreeing in principle with Tozer, and then being unwilling to take any action… why would i choose “solitude and meditation” over fantasy football? (Honestly, does the phrase “solitude and meditation” elicit any real desire in us? Maybe if you use it to advertise a spa featuring hot stone massage, but simply “solitude and quietness” in their own right…?)

It’s time for me to create time for solitude and quietness. I have no delusions that it will be great immediately, or that I’ll have any desire to remain committed to this simplicity.  But i know there are things to learn and know and a God to meet with.  My resistance to simplicity is due to fear that solitude and quietness will be boring.  Time to overcome that fear. If not now then when?

(I’m typing these words on a Mac, & in my opinion that’s a good first step)