YOUR PASTOR’S HEART
“Simple Life”
“You’re probably too busy to read this book.”
So begins the introduction to Thom and Art Rainer’s book, ‘Simple Life.’ To be honest, with that they had me. I knew these two had been reading my mail, and I wanted to see if they had anything practical to say, or if this was just another ‘try harder’ kind of book. I was not disappointed.
Filled with stories of real people, this father and son team share what it means to follow the example of Jesus as we untangle ourselves from our self-imposed obligations, duties, and schedules. Drawing on their research of a survey of over 1,000 individuals, the writers confirmed what I already knew: many of us are stressed out and overwhelmed. We feel there is more than what we’re experiencing, and we feel left out. As one person stated, “This life is not right!”
One reviewer notes, “As they share these highly relatable stories, the Rainers chart a simple path from joyless to joyful. Breaking life down into four key sections (God, Time, Relationships, Money), the authors show how four key goals (Clarity, Movement, Alignment, Focus) can begin to foster a life that is more spiritual and less busy, a life rich in experiences with family and friends rather than double-booked to-do lists and late nights at the office. The book even lays out an easy-to-follow action plan that will move readers assuredly toward the simple life in just thirty days.”
The Rainers tell us that it really comes down to helping us understand what God’s wants for our dash. You know, the little mark that appears between the date of birth and the date of death on a headstone? That mark, that tiny dash, sums up our lifetime of activity. What happens in the dash defines who we are and distinguishes us from the everyone else. All too often, I have found myself filling the dash with things that don’t really matter and not having enough room for the things that count. The book helps. It puts some new words to an ancient message. “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
By the way, if you purchase the book online, make sure you don’t order the DVD of a certain reality TV show by the same name. Not a choice I would recommend!
It’s a joy to be your pastor!
Bro. Dave