Simplicity, Two

One of the inlaid tombs in the floor of St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta

To finish this description of simplicity, I shall add two more points.

Six, to become simple, allow God to show you the smallest imperfections of your being, as humility leads to simplicity.

Seven, to become simple, think now and then about death, your own death. Thinking of one's eternal destiny instantly simplifies life. In the long run, those trinkets on the mantle piece, or going to a special store for one's favorite chocolate, or spending too much time with cell phone apps, or computer games, or browsing the Net, are all activities and goals which will complicate one's life, rather than bringing simplicity. These things are really not that important. They distract us from prayer and from reflection.

I have now lived several weeks without a cell phone. I do not miss it. I can use skype if I need to, or a friend's land line for really, really important calls.

I do not miss it. The Net was down for over 20 hours this past week, and I did not miss it.

Simplify now, as this is part of the purification of the senses and the spirit. Where one spends eternity may be determined by how much one simplifies one's busy life.

Also, teach your children to become reflective. When they come home from school, after snack time, make them spend 20-30 minutes in their rooms in silence, thinking about their day.

This creates the beginnings of simplicity and purification of the mind, heart and soul. After a while, the children will be able to listen to the still, small voice of God, which is the goal of simplicity.

Reflection and examination of conscience daily lead to greater simplicity.