Ten or eleven years ago I read Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline in which two chapters (or disciplines) profoundly affected my life. One was on solitude, the other simplicity.
Last week I came across another Foster book, one where he expounds on the topic of simplicity. As I read, I realized I had forgotten how much this discipline has shaped what I teach, especially in the area of time management. It's also why I recently deactivated my Facebook account. I desire
Simple home.
Simple clothes.
Simple speech.
Simple schedule.
Simple dedication to God.
It's not about being rigid, inflexible, or legalistic. And there is no one perfect standard for all. I definitely still have my areas where I'm not simple!! It's a process. But pursuing simplicity has resulted in greater peace and productivity. I'm looking forward to incorporating the concept more intentionally into my writings and speaking.
Richard Foster has been a great influence in my life through his books. I thank God that he took the time to write what he has learned.
3 comments: