Did you know that today is National Simplicity Day? 

Don't worry... I didn't either. It's also National Pecan Pie day, but that doesn't necessarily lend itself to a Pastor's Corner quite as well as the concept of simplicity.

Every year on July 12th, the day has been set aside and chosen to honor the concept of simplicity, ultimately inspired by the writings of Henry David Thoreau, who over a period of two years lived on the shores of Walden Pond in Concord Massachusetts. During his time living at Walden, Thoreau wrote a collection of writings on the idea of living simply, off the land, occupying your hands with labor surrounded by nature. In it, he described feeling like a 'sojourner in civilization', preferring instead the pulls of the wild lands to the cities and highways of civilized society.

Simplicity today can be difficult to achieve. We are in a culture of constant motion. There's always something else on the 'to-do list', there is always something else to do and place to go. It can be difficult to maintain, particularly in the long-term, when life is complex and things need done. 

The Apostle Paul advocated strongly a life of simplicity in 1st Thessalonians 4:11-12.

In his epistle to Thessalonica, Paul advocated the brethren make it their ambition to lead a quiet life. To desire to live a life of simplicity, and to work with their hands. That life would be noticed and would be regarded by others. They would see their simple life, and be respectful of it. 

How can we make our lives simpler in a world that thrives upon being busy? 

1. Maintain our priorities - we have to look our list of things as "must-dos" and "want-dos". Ensuring that the must-dos are done, particularly the things that are highest priority--maintaining our relationship with God--and not allowing the minutia to drive our day to the point we leave out or forget those things that are highest priority.

2. Disconnect - we live in a society that is incredibly connected, in numerous facets. We are connected socially, with emails and dings, and rings, and buzzes going off all the time. While it is nice to be wanted, people can become overwhelmed quickly when barrages of things come across the phone or email. It is worth taking the time occasionally to completely disconnect, and to ground ourselves in an analog fashion. Some like to journal, some like to read, but doing something that is not digital can reap some incredible benefits.

3. Work With Your Hands - Whether it's gardening, or hobbies, music, or whatever it might be that requires you to use your hands - take the time to do something with your hands. Neuroscientists have seen connections in the plasticity of our brains when we do things with our hands. It wires neural pathways in the brain. Even if it isn't our daily job, having a hobby that uses our hands, and strengthens those pathways can provide relaxation and simplicity.

We should all make it our ambition to lead a quiet life, a life of simplicity. 

That doesn't necessarily mean going like Thoreau and building a cabin along a pond in the middle of the woods and living in it for two years, but taking the time to reduce the complexities of life and society and ensuring that we are purposefully mitigating our stress levels will make us more relaxed and effective in many aspects of our lives. 

Thankfully - God recognized the need for this when He gave man the Sabbath. This is a weekly reminder that we can relax, that we can rest and connect with God. Let's ensure we use it, and use it well!

Have a wonderful Sabbath! Those in Eugene and Salem, we'll see you all tomorrow!