"Teach us Delight in simple things,And Mirth that has no bitter springs."
-from, The Puck of Pook's Hill, Rudyard Kipling
Simplicity! It has such a nice ring to it! I think most people would choose the simple life over complexity - theoretically speaking.
But somehow our choices don't always reflect that desire. We're constantly cramming more things into our days, making every hour busier!
About two years ago, Elder L. Tom Perry gave a great conference talk called "Let Him Do it With Simplicity." He talks about the spiritual benefit of a simplified lifestyle.
To me, missionaries are a good example of this. Their lives are uncluttered while they serve; they don't get caught up in TV, movies, current events, fashion, shopping, etc. They are pretty singularly focused.
Yet, despite all missionaries do without, they always seem content. I know I'm not an expert (having never actually served a mission) and I know that missionary life has plenty of challenges and frustrations too. But, generally, missionaries seem happy!
And while it isn't realistic to think our lives can be as singular focused as missionary life, it does make sense that simplification (eliminating unimportant things) can increase our ability to feel spiritual things.
"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction." -E.F. Schumacher, Thanks Arly!
