PASTOR DAVE’S MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

November 20, 2024

AN ABUNDANTLY SIMPLE LIFESTYLE

Thanksgiving 2011

On my way to my yearly check-up with my orthopedic surgeon, I was listening to the local public radio station.  The “Michiana Chronicle” for the day featured Heather who shared concerning her lifestyle which she described as being “abundantly simple.”  Her characterization got me to thinking.

On the one hand “abundantly” is defined as being more than enough, ample, plentiful, or bountiful.  On the other hand “simple” can mean not complex, plain, or free from ostentation.  Was Heather saying she followed a lifestyle that was plentiful, ample, bountiful, having more than enough but was free from ostentation, lacking complexity?

“Abundantly simple” would seem to fly in the face of the general understanding of the good life where the emphasis is definitely on the side of abundance.  For Heather less would seem to more when it comes to being satisfied.

Heather’s characterization reminded me of an old Shaker song that was written by Elder Joseph Brackett in 1845.

‘Tis the gift to be simple, ‘tis the gift to be free

‘Tis the gift come down where we ought to be

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight

When true simplicity is gain’d,

To bow and to bend and shan’t be asham’d,

To turn, turn will be delight,

Till by turning, turning we come ‘round right.

This week we will be gathering with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving.  It is a time for all Americans to give thanks for their many blessings.  As we are about this annual feast we might do well to keep in mind Heather’s notion of “an abundantly simple lifestyle.”

In my back yard I have two statues and a platform for a third.  Next to our patio is a statue of Mary and the baby Jesus.  On a raised area under a tree where I have placed a metal bench I have a statue of Saint Izadore at one corner.  At another corner I have a platform for a statue of St. Francis with birds.

While there are many options for additional statures I might add, I have no plans to do so. Each of the statues now has its own special place where they can be appreciated and admired.  More statues would diminish from those already there.

The design for my back yard is rather simple with its statues.  As Brackett’s song suggests it does provide love and delight.  The birds, squirrels, and chipmunks seem to enjoy it.  Looking out my bedroom window each morning provides a wonderful way to start the day.

Paul tells us that in everything we should give thanks.  This is especially true of the simple pleasures which enrich our lives.  By focusing this Thanksgiving on the small things that daily bless our days under the sun, we may discover the joy of Heather’s abundantly simple life.

(This article was originally published November 20, 2011.  Comments may be sent to davidh15503@embarqmail.com.)