I’d like you to meet Ed.
Ed and his wife Barbara operate The Refuge, an incredible retreat center in the foothills above Trinidad. They were kind enough to host our team on the final night of our tour.
The Refuge is authentic adobe construction. Ed build most of the building himself over a period of twenty-five years.
Ed also pastors a church and has done other interesting stuff with his nearly eighty years. Mostly, though, he’s been engaged in a deep, long-term personal study of the gospels. He wants to understand the central message of Jesus.
For about thirty minutes our team had the pleasure of listening to a brief synopsis of what Ed believes he’s learned. I won’t try to summarize everything we heard, but one of Ed’s observations left a lasting impression: the awesome power of simple.
Jesus taught simple principles. Understanding and following isn’t easy. It’s at times complex. After listening to Ed, I’m even more certain that we make most things–especially Jesus–more complicated than they need to be.
For example, riding a bike 500 miles is a simple task. You get on the bike, pedal until you’ve traveled 500 miles, and stop. Nothing complicated about it.
Of course it’s not easy, nor is it that simplistic. It’s a complex process, but it’s not complicated. You ride, hydrate, eat, and sleep. Our tour went smoothly this year, and I suspect it’s because we made things less complicated.
Principles are simple. Rules are complicated.
Peace. Justice. Equality. Love. They’re simple. Not simplistic, not easy. Certainly not safe.
Ed told us he’s learned two things.
If God tells you to do something, do it.
I’ve spent my life wandering in a maze. At this point God’s given me a corner and asked me to guide the folks who come by. I can help people avoid the quicksand and the dead ends, so I stand here and help if I’m asked.
Simple.
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Are there areas of your life in which you’ve added unnecessary complications? Where have you confused complex with complicated?
Can you harness the awesome power of simple?
Please leave a comment here.
